Let's go! Oh, no?
Blade was at the river, she used the freshwater nature had told her to be safe to wash out the wound. And had pulled out some bandages to cover the wound on her forehead. "Stupid… that were three thousand Maggi, I just wanted them to have a good meal so everyone calms down and they fucking spill it…urghh… that stupid Elf…I'll kill that stupid, fuckin-" She growled to herself and hit the water with her hand as the rain was pouring down on her.
"Blade," Iolas set down softly behind her. "You can't just run off…" His voice was completely different. His whole vibe had changed in fact. He pretended he hadn't heard that outburst before 'Wonderful… she's losing it as well…damn, I pushed her too hard after all.'
"You…" Blade was ready to give him an earful, but bit her tongue. "What do you want now, Eques? Is it sabotaging to get food for the team now, too?" Her tone despite her trying to hold back was still harsh. 'Fuck, he heard, he had to. Shit!'
'Oh, she's salty alright…' Iolas raised an eyebrow. "No, but hiding injuries, why keep up the glamour? No one's around. You shouldn't waste magic for such things, the boys have to learn these things, and lying to the team can only end in disaster. If not now, then later. You know that you never did before why now?."
'Shit... of course, he can see through it. Council Guard… they even could see through Griffins…' Blade held the pot into the water to fill it up and wash the dirt off and went back to ignore him more or less. 'The disaster here is you.'
Iolas was greeted by silence and sighed, "Blade… the stress test is over." Her head spun around quickly, "Don't worry, no one gets expelled. You did well, I can see you have grown, still, you have a habit to distrust higher-ups, and taking things onto yourself. You got a team, don't suffer for it, work with it."
"Stress test?" Blade was utterly confused, 'Is this his cover he is putting this under? He hurt my friends on purpose!'
"Yes, my apologies if I hurt you, it was nothing personal. And this campout will go way differently from now on. Now, please, I need to check that wound, we can't let it get infected." Iolas kneeled down next to her.
Blade stood up as she bashed his hand away, "Don't touch me." She hissed with an angry glare. "I can take care of myself."
'Great… manoeuvred me into that one, didn't I,' Iolas shook his head, "Blade, you know how bad infections can get."
"I rather die than take help from you. You hurt my friends on purpose, belittled them, sowed distrust, you're no friend of mine, and certainly not an ally. I won't buy your good guy routine. I'm not dumb, TRAITOR," She growled. "And just you know, I already told Nebula about you, so I dare you to lay a hand on any of us," Blade was all tense and stepped away from him. She was so exhausted and on edge.
'Traitor, me? Ah, kids…That's a bit harsh… If I wanted them dead, I could have drowned them in the start, no problem,' Iolas stared at her a bit perplexed at first, she truly was convinced that he was using the stress test as an excuse. He breathed out deeply, he knew how to make her understand that he was not a threat. "Oh? You think you are a know-it-all smart girl, don't ya? So, what if you know or others? Thanks for that information, by the way, that was the purpled-haired one correct? Oh, and leaving your team alone with me wasn't smart either." He grinned superiorly.
Blade's eyes widened, "WHAT DID YOU DO?!" She bared her teeth fearing the worst. She dropped the pot and reached for her belt pocket with the phanto-weapons. Just to notice Iolas vanished from sight. 'Behind me!' She used her free hand to punch behind her and hit the air.
Iolas had of course not taken the obvious choice and stopped beside her and before she could draw her weapon Iolas seized her hands and took her in a hold, "What now, huh? You have no magic left thanks to your glamour. If I were an enemy what would be left, burnout, berserk? That wouldn't be enough not even close. Blade if I wanted you or your team dead all of you already would be. The stress test is over, you are safe. Calm down. Breathe." He slowly loosened his hold and turned her around so she would face him.
Blade was a bit perplexed. 'He, he…' she could feel that he had no ill intention. He was back to that old self of his she knew from the hearing. 'So, that asshole self was the mask? How could I fall for such a trick? Stress test…' She thought of all the things she had noticed over the last two days. He had given warnings, they had not encountered monsters. He had sowed distrust, by mostly asking weird questions and leaving the answer or truth out. So, anyone had a chance to pick their own story. He had stayed close in dangerous situations. He had stated he had secured the camps. "You mean it? This was all just a bad guy routine to test us as a team? It just was a stress test so no one gets flunked? The guys are alright?" Blade stared at him. She needed to hear it.
"Yes, the test is over. No one gets expelled or ever would have been. I just pretended, it was a test, and the boys are alright, besides a scratched ego. They are not used to failure. I didn't mean the stuff I said. You did a good job. Again, my sincerest apologies, but some stuff you can only learn when you face it, the boys needed those lessons and I tested you on some of your other bad habits. You have grown, I can see that. I assure you this is a safer environment than stuff like this happens out in the field. It was harsh, but then push comes to shove they'll be better off now. You all have gained enemies in the shadows and you lot need to be prepared. The schools try to keep you out of it and well protected as does the Council, but there are no guarantees in life. I want you all to be able to pull through. No matter what happens. I'm sorry I couldn't tell any of you beforehand. Those tests only work properly then people don't know. I'll take lead from now on and work with you all on any problems that have occurred. We'll talk it all through."
Blade looked at him, "So, we always were safe…" Slowly she closed her eyes and without warning let herself drop to her feet. Her muscles relaxed just as the fear, worries and tension were blown away in an instant.
"Woah, hey, Blade," Iolas freaked at first a bit, he had not expected her to do that. "You alright? Is it the head wound? Hey, talk to me…" But as Blade began to chuckle relieved with small tears in her eyes he calmed down again, "Blade…don't scare me like that…" He watched her closely. But all this was just the reaction from her realising everything was fine.
"Ha, serves you right- it's alright. Apology accepted. It's obvious in hindsight… You got me good. Ha," She chuckled a bit. "The boys will be alright. I had no idea how I should keep up the magic share. I'm not good at all with it. I only did it a few times and yet I'm at my limit, but now that you are on our side… you can… they won't freeze to death or anything, you can fix that, right?" Blade rubbed her tearing-up eyes, "I'm so unprofessional… I even attacked you…stupid me."
"Well, I deserved it this time around at least a bit. But Blade, this is a bad habit of yours. You have enemies on the battlefield and in court. You have to stop running around like a headless chicken. You need to think these things through before you act and accuse people randomly. Do that with a noble and you dig your own grave. You and your friends have drawn a lot of attention in certain rings. People are out for your head and not just literally but in court. It's your weakness, they'll come for you eventually. Fighting and hiding things from your Teachers or Professors is also not wise. Be honest with them, don't underestimate them, you need their protection. People will use dirt against you if they find it...If you give your Professors a chance they can get on top of that."
"You investigated my Witch mission?! It wasn't, I just- you have to understand that-" Blade went a bit pale there. 'Don't tell me he knows! Lilly, the outfit, no, no no…'
'That was more generally speaking, although Faragonda asked to report on it if she says anything…' Iolas rose an eyebrow, "No, I have other things to do. Unless it's an official mission, it's none of my business what you do. You are always welcome to discuss it with me if you like. I did read the somewhat fake report of course. I read all the mission reports to prepare for this camp, yours and the boys' ones. Well then," He stood up, "I'd say we need some more fish, we have hungry lions back at the camp and lots to talk about, Fulminis ictus!" He shot a bolt of small lightning into the river and a few dead fish rose to the surface and he let them float into the pot. He had fished out of the river, where Blade had dropped it. "Ah, nearly forgot, I still need to check the wound first." He waited till she nodded and kneeled down to unwrap her bandages. 'Just a scratch… good… that will give Keith some field practice.' He tied it up again. "Let's go, Keith can take care of that. I'm sure he is eager to redeem himself after the shoulder fiasco."
Iolas and Blade went back with the extra fish, still, it was raining. He actually carried her back, while flying, since he wanted to hurry back. He wasn't sure if the boys stayed as quiet as he had left them. And Blade needed a break to rest and regain some magic.
Iolas and Blade were greeted by the concerned and still embarrassed stares of the boys. "Keith, check her head wound. Do your job, you can do this, I know it."
"Julius report," Iolas looked at him.
"Eh…we cut up the soup… I mean fish… and… collected the wiring and tarpaulins. Fire is ready?" He wasn't quite sure what to report on. He hadn't been gone that long and everyone had enough feedback to chew on.
Iolas sighed, "Why so shy? I am not angry with any of you. Again, this was a stress test, failing is the goal, so we all know what your weaknesses are and we can work on them. The only question here was how you fail. None of your mistakes are so bad that they can't be fixed or worked on. And you still have plenty of time to grow and figure the rest out." Iolas still looked at a depressed team. 'My word, they really needed to experience a fail, if they get this depressed about it.' He put down the pod with the fish. "Well then, let's cook and discuss all this in depth. I don't want your team spirit to suffer from this on other missions. Oh, and of course, we start with you telling me what an asshole I was. I am sure you have a lot to vent and give feedback on. Mercury, you mediate first. We'll do this for everyone."
"What will that achieve?" Michael shook his head.
"For ones, you'll get out of your headspace and actually say what you think. Second, a team has to communicate especially if it's under pressure. If you let things fester stuff will boil up and you will explode and throw stuff around… we all know how that ended…" Iolas stared at the boys who yet evaded his gaze again.
Keith had sat down with Blade and applied some balsam, "It's nothing bad, Eques, at least from what I can tell. Will be healed by next morning."
"I agree with you, Keith. Good work. I expect you to finish your duties as healer and then report tomorrow's progress. And about titles, this is a campout and I don't do titles normally, was just to get you riled up, just call me Iolas. I'm not your enemy - anymore. Now, come on, tell me what kind of asshole I was. I wanna hear it and don't hold back, get it out of your system. Can't have you hold a grudge if I want to train with you properly tomorrow," Iolas chuckled as he pulled out a knife and helped out with cutting up one of the extra fishes.
It took quite a while, they spent most of the afternoon with moderated arguing. There was a lot of feedback, moaning and apologies. Iolas had truly got an earful as he had expected. Blade wasn't holding back at all and the boys were encouraged by it. He also used a lot of time to explain why he said what, and what triggers he used to make them understand their flaws and gave more feedback in general. The boys and Blade also gave each other a good earful. And with a warm savoury fish soup and a dry roof over their heads, the team spirit rose quite a bit again with every argument and situation laid open and discussed in depth. Iolas even held a quick session about how they could improve their meditation and body enhancement magic to prepare them all for tomorrow's next trip as this was a big point of their arguments. He discussed the route and the problem zones with Mercury and Julius, while the others finished the cleaning. It was time for them to go to bed and get some decent sleep in that warm hut of theirs.
"I hope we cleared everything up. If any of you have a problem with me or anyone else on the team. Come to me, we'll sort it out just like over dinner. We can't be divided if you want to get anywhere on this island safely. From now on, I take lead and teach you some stuff, don't think it will get easier, you'll have more stuff to do. I want you to get some fights with monsters and beasts I kept away so far, so I can actually help you improve your battle styles as well as tactics, after all, I am sure Virion will teach Team A some stuff and I can't have you fall behind."
"Team A? Virion? Is that the Council Guard who's with them?" Mercury asked intrigued. After all Team A were their rivals.
"Yes, he is the main healer in my team and a decent battle mage. He was the one who saved Blade back at the hearing," Iolas smiled. "He's a good teacher as well. So, let's not fall behind, alright?"
"Yeah!" The boys were on fire.
'Ah youth, once you know them it's easy to get them fired up, this group really doesn't hold grudges for long and is good at talking stuff out if you create room for it, perfect,' Iolas rose from his spot, "Well then, I'll wake you tomorrow, get a good night sleep. And really, ask any question you can come up with, there are no stupid questions. I'll make room for one o' one talks each day as well. This is important, I want to help you find your spot in this team and maybe even help out with future plans. I do have connections after all and I can use them for you."
"And not just against us?" Kai asked a bit devilish. He was back to his jokey self.
"I doubt you want that," Iolas laughed, "Also, for your safety, I know I mentioned this before but I'll say it again, no lone wolf acts, tag teams, ALWAYS. If something is up, you feel woozy or ill, have a bone to pick, are pissed at someone, whatever it is, you come to me and say it. I'll listen and take it seriously, that's a promise. I don't tolerate secrecy in my teams. I don't want senseless arguments and disputes to fester and hiding injuries get you or a team member killed. We have to count on each other to have our backs." He looked to Blade. "Now, have a good night."
"And where are you going? You said tag teams always. That goes for the leader too…" Julius crossed his arms. "I very much doubt you have a rune spell on your armour or another Elf in the brushwork to watch out for you."
"Indeed, well then, do you all feel up for night shifts? I will sit up top and keep an eye out. I'm not alone per se, you are right beneath me. So, you have the option to get a full night's rest. But I gladly take someone with me," Iolas offered.
"I'll go," Mercury stood up and walked to the entrance they had covered with one of the tarpaulins.
"Alright, sleep well," Iolas walked out with Mercury, 'He has a question… they are super tired and he wants to keep watch… ha.' Iolas gave Mercury a boost to get up on the roof because it was slippery to climb with all that rain pouring down outside. Iolas jumped up on his own and sat there closing his eyes meditating and keeping a lookout with voice of nature.
Mercury was biding his nails, his eyes were falling shut, despite the fact, his mind was trying to figure out how to ask his question, 'How can he just sit here in the rain? All day…' He got a bit restless and it was colder out here than he expected. That hut had been so comfy.
"I can hear your staring…" Iolas smirked, "What's up?"
Flustered Mercury blabbed out, "Aren't you cold at all?"
"No, I have armour just like you and I don't let my hair get wet like you boys. That's what magic is for," Iolas opened his eyes and relaxed a bit and changed into a more inviting posture. There was no threat around at the moment.
"But you… you can't keep that up all day long, wait, can you? … Have you even slept?" Mercury hadn't even thought about that before.
"No, you didn't give me chance to," Iolas chuckled.
"But, then why… ehhh…" Mercury was lost for words.
"You are even more tired than me. I am an experienced Wizard. I can go for a few days without sleep. Besides once we get into a rhythm I'll get my fair share of sleep. Trance is also much closer to sleep than simple meditation. But that's a bit above you right now. Blade had one going there for a bit… I'm sure she can teach you once she has some more practice. But that's not what you wanted to talk about now is it?" Iolas smiled kindly.
"You're good," Mercury was astonished, that he already had seen through him.
"I am on the Council Guard and an Eques of my Order, you don't get to that point by simply being average. Come now, what's bugging you?" Iolas stretched a bit.
"Well, you gave everyone some personal advice. Mine was a bit… well, general?" Mercury shivered slightly it was fresh out here just as the days before.
"Oh, well, out of all of the guys I thought you already found your place," Iolas inspected him more closely.
"Yeah, but you said, there are tons of strong fighters, stronger than us. And I am pretty sure there are much better Co-Leaders…" Mercury sighed.
"Well, to lead and support your leader has to be changed with every leader or team you come across. That takes time and experience. You really should just state your opinion to help Julius out."
Mercury grimaced, "But I can't undermine him all the time…"
"Then don't call him out in front of the group. Take a minute here and there and discuss things with four eyes. Give him feedback on what you noticed about the team's morale, ask how he is and what he needs. It's not a bad thing if your leader second-guesses some decisions. It all depends on the presentation. Don't make him feel like an idiot, just be a good buddy and step up if he can't decide. I am sure you two will figure the rest out if you two take your jobs more seriously. You have good people skills, are top of your team and stay mostly cool-headed and think things through," Iolas complimented him.
"But will that be enough to join an Order? Aren't those the basics everyone is expected to have? I just don't see how I will contribute anything meaningful-"
Iolas interrupted him, "That is meaningful. And yes, a lot of people can do that. But you are strong. The training scores and sparing with Blade shows it. You have great potential to become a powerful Paladin. You're one of those persons that can be the firepower in a team. You already are up ahead in usage of magic, because you help out Blade more often than the rest."
"My pool isn't as big as Blade's or Keith's. How am I supposed to compete with that?" Mercury shook his head.
"You're wrong there. Blade has two magic pools so to speak. Your Mana pool will be greater than hers eventually because she trains both dark and light magic and doesn't focus on one. Plus, you are stronger body-wise and will have to use less magic once you get the hang of body enhancement. You're on par with her if you simply compare elemental weapon bursts with the same amount of magic. You chose fire weapons correct?" Iolas thought about it.
"Yes. I did," Mercury nodded.
"Well, I think you have a nag for magic even if you're not on a Wizard's level. There are many elements that can be combined with fire. You like to hit hard and swiftly. You dual-wield, why not swap one fire axe for something else? That will open up lots of options for you and your team."
"You mean like fire and ice?" Mercury was intrigued by the idea.
"Sure… just pick something less combustible for the start. Everyone has magic types they have a nag for, I excel at earth magic." He knocked against their hut. "Just ask for your training result sheets and check the scoring. Everything in the top five should work out for training in Red Fountain. I'm sure Codatorta will indulge you if you make your case."
Mercury nodded, "… …. Will do…" He went silent again, "…"
Iolas closed his eyes again to concentrate on the surroundings, "Yes?"
"Will she be okay?" Mercury still felt a bit guilty for pushing Blade so far and not standing up for her, he even could feel his heart skip a beat. It generally had been a bigger point in the afternoon discussions.
'Boys…has he even noticed? Oh well, not my place to butt in...' Iolas glanced at him, "I'm sure she has forgiven you, otherwise you'd know. She didn't look peachy in the fog valley, she was close to her limits, but she has learned from past mistakes. I still will have to keep an eye on her though. So far, there wasn't anything alarming I picked up on. The scratch is truly nothing to worry about, Mercury."
"That's good," He relaxed some more and his eyes fell shut for just a few seconds before pulling himself together. "Gotta watch… sorry…"
"It's fine," Iolas infused some magic into the dome and created something similar to a watch tower to protect them from the elements. "Let's sit back to back, that way we can split up the area we have to keep an eye on, okay?" Iolas suggested. Mercury nodded and moved. He felt Iolas pressing his back against his. And it didn't take a minute until Mercury leaned into it and nodded off without even noticing. 'Sleep well, Mercury…' Iolas grinned to himself and with a wave of his hand dried Mercury's armour completely.
They had packed up in the morning and were currently making their way through yet another strong rain shower. Iolas was walking in the middle of the group. Kai, Michael and Blade were in front of him and Julius, Keith, Dean and Mercury were in the back. "Hold up, Keith, Blade?" Iolas halted the group. The two of them had voice of nature duty. Keith still was trying to get the hang of it, though.
"I think there is eh, some a cat to the east?" Keith wasn't sure at all.
Blade frowned, "Cat?... I would say bears of some sort, but yes most are smaller, one has a stronger magic presence, an alpha, a pack of around six?"
"Not bad at all you two," Iolas smiled pleased, "Julius? What is your suggestion? Our planned route will lead us east."
"But at the speed, we are going they might be gone. They are moving or?" Julius wasn't sure what Iolas was getting at. Blade nodded to his follow-up question.
"Mercury?" Iolas turned to face him.
"I think we can take a bear or a cat pack unless it has super powerful magic. But yeah, we might not meet them…"
"Well then, Michael, keep your crossbow ready. Dean if they charge us I want you to go front centre, therefore you'll swap with Michael don't let them through. Julius, you'll keep Keith safe, you are on healer protection. Blade will swap with Mercury, I want to see some darts and other ranged spells from you. So, Mercury, Kai and Dean will take the front line. We call this standard combat formation one, or simpler C-one." They were about to change formation. "Did I say change now?"
"Eh, but why wait? What if we don't have enough time?" Keith asked directly.
"Simple, Kai, Michael and Blade are the slowest in the group currently. The slowest one determents the speed of the group up front, so they can't fall behind and get picked off. And as you said, we might not meet them at all, since they are moving. So, I don't want the three to be exhausted just because you four rushed them. You want your team in the best form possible if you expect an encounter. And the best encounter is none at all if you are in a hostile region," Iolas explained shortly. "If you are not constantly under threat you should swap through formations, just to train it. Also keeps the mind awake. And if you're too slow, all the more reason to train it. But I am sure you had classes on this. Now we'll get you some extensive training, you have me to cover for mistakes."
Dean scratched his head, "But why has Julius to protect Keith? He can't use healing spells. Nothing against you, buddy. It's just we could use him in the front line."
"Yeah, I find that weird as well…" Keith scratched his head.
"You are strong enough to hold off a few monsters, don't sell yourself short, Dean. Keith might not be able now, but he soon will be. Healers are precious, they keep you going. Julius is your leader with a bit of distance he will have better oversight. To win a battle with small squads you need to strategize it's not just about numbers. That might work in Red Fountain exercises, but if you want the quick wins you go through strategy and formations, if he sees an opportunity he still can take it, protection doesn't mean he is stuck to his heels, it's just his priority. You all should think of formations you want to try out. You only use standards at the moment as much as I read from your training reports. Your team is ready for more already. Don't wait till the third year with this stuff. Get this done now, then you have more time to learn how to fly a dragon and do air battles."
"Dean to your right!" Julius shouted out. "Kai flank!"
"Magic dart!" Blade loaded up her dart, she had taken the high ground on a tree and shot some darts to cover Mercury.
"Nice one!" Mercury smirked, they were back in synch and although they were faced with around eight of those Forest Bearcats who had magic on their own they so far were holding out.
'Geesh, they are huge…' Michael kept two others at bay to help Dean and Kai to scare off the alpha, "Watch out!"
"Daylight!" Keith flung a glowing sphere directly at one bearcat that was about to use its control of vines to pin Kai down but missed because of the glowing orb that distracted it. 'Wow that spell is truly simple… and so versatile, Blade was right.'
Dean used his tower shield to take on the front legs smash of the alpha, "AHHAHAHA, is that all you got!" He boosted himself with his magic.
"Give me just a second longer," Kai tried to get a slash in the alpha's hind legs.
The bearcat alpha turned its snout it had spotted Kai and jumped a bit to the side and used its massive tail to swipe over the ground and hissed and growled loudly.
"Barrier of light!" Keith cast quickly.
Mercury just had knocked out his opponent, "Kai!"
"Mercury stay! Blade cover, Keith," Julius had rushed forward to hold off another flanking Forest Bearcat, "Dean!"
Dean had already moved up to Kai and hammered his tower shield down to give him cover, "On your feet, lazy."
"Ahh, fling me! I need to get up top. I got an idea," Kai requested.
"Well then," Dean made a push forward grabbed Kai's arm and flung him as he spun around. "Cannonball!"
"Blade, the vines!" Michael called for her backup. Those beasts were really using a lot of them and there was no shortage in the jungle.
Together they shot the vines to pieces that tried to seize Kai in the air. "Cannonball, now!?" Blade was biting her tongue, 'Those darts cost so much, I waste them so quickly… and they do next to nothing, damn it… I'm not made for range.'
"Ahahaha!" Kai held on to the fur of the alpha, which in return was super agitated by the rodeo rider it had picked up.
"Julius, back!" Mercury nodded to Keith. Two of the smaller Forest bearcats were rushing towards him, they had sneaked around the sides.
Julius ducked away as he made a close turn around Mercury, "Nice swap out." He threw his boomerang to bring one to fall.
Keith grinned, "Ha!" He swung his pike and smacked away the other one coming for him.
Michael aimed for the big one as it rose from the ground again to slam down and throw Kai off who had covered its eyes with his cloak, "And you're mine." His bolt zoomed through the air.
The bearcat alpha snarled and screeched and the little ones backed off from the specialists as with one powerful jump the alpha got rid of Kai and finally had thrown him of his head. It jumped up some of the huge trees and with a last angry snarl, the pack retreated.
"WOAAHH!" Kai flailed around as he tried to catch a vine but it ripped.
"Blade!" Julius didn't drop his guard just yet. As some of the little ones that had taken some hits were slower to retreat and got scared as the Alpha was already gone.
"Got him!" Blade transformed quickly, dashed after Kai and caught him mid-fall.
"Ah, my favourite Fairy," Kai laughed relieved. "I see you can't leave your hands off me."
Blade rolled her eyes, "I bet you say that to any pretty girl." And dropped him off on the ground. "That doesn't work on me, brother," She teased and transformed back.
"Ouch, friend-zoned, again," Mercury smirked a bit pleased.
"Nice work," Iolas decamouflaged. He had observed them and had hidden from the bearcats. "I see, why your team is in the top three of your year combat-wise. Julius, you made good use of the C-one with your calls. Dean, while you can take a lot… try to use your sword as well you're not just a shield. Keith nice use of spells, you should learn some attack spells though, never hurts to have options. Michael on point shooting, you're quick and you set your priorities right. Mercury, nice call with Keith. Kai, you should communicate more beforehand and watch out more. Don't get unnecessarily reckless. Blade -" Iolas paused, "How is your magic pool?" He could see that she wasn't happy about the position she had in this fight.
"That won't work long term…" Blade sighed, "I wasted so much magic…"
"Well, you have lots of darts to collect now, don't let them lie around. You boys can use them to cut your way through the undergrowth now, recycle what you can, always. And a full thrust pierce would have probably killed the alpha, but it diminishes your magic pool greatly. And in a jungle, it is better to use less magic with so many potential threats. Have you not trained any other ranged spells or well weapons?" Iolas asked as he pondered a bit.
"The bow, but that is even worse in sense of magic costs. It is rather powerful though," Blade scratched her head. She felt a tad tired. 'I still haven't recovered all my magic even after a full night of sleep? Well, hmmm, I use body enhancement twenty-for-seven so I don't freeze. It is cold…'
"Hmm, how did you fight on Phere-Moan? Surely you had to use some ranged spells there," Iolas asked.
"She built bows for the other Fairies and used the phanto-chakrams, they could be recalled," Mercury butted in.
"Right, she's good with them," Dean had to agree.
Blade sighed, "But I can't recall the magic ones… I can make magic sickles but this forest is so dense, I didn't want branches to crash onto our battlefield and hit someone."
"Hm…" Iolas nodded, 'She has only trained to throw stuff away from her. Yet the reports state that she can use other projections. Griffin even said she shot one towards herself.' He closed his eyes to check all was clear and that the bearcats weren't eager for a second round. "Well then, let's find a good spot to rest and camp. Keith, you try."
"What?" Julius was a bit confused, "We barely were walking for two hours."
"Yes, and you just had a fight, you used more magic up, and still need to weather the rain long-term. Blade already stated that she wasted magic, she needs to meditate. And it takes time to find good spots and get there," Iolas explained.
"But you can make a hut anywhere," Michael frowned himself.
"Sure, but breaks can also be used to collect food, you don't have a water problem here, but that won't always be the case. So, finding springs and rivers is important for long-term missions. So far you had enough rations on all your missions or were close enough to towns to stock up. You all had survival training. That wasn't just to give you a hard time. Herbs for medicine are also an important thing to collect. That's not just the job of the healer if you ask me. You don't have problems with your missions so far. So, use them, make them challenging, that way you'll improve much faster. If you take a bit longer no one will truly complain, just stay in the given time frame. You don't need to be two days early to get a good grade. Also, with supply missions, when you fly from one port to another, use that to train your magic pool, body enhancement magic or meditation."
The boys nodded, that made sense. It was a bit weird. They knew most of this stuff. But somehow, they never really had to use it on the comparable easy missions from Red Fountain. So, they simply hadn't, why bother after all if one could chill and relax. It was more or less just theory to them. They would need in their third year if one was to believe their Drillmasters.
"Alright, Blade your upfront this time around. Keith your second in line and you are on voice of nature duty," Iolas ordered.
"Again? But that costs so much magic and I just used a shield spell…" Keith complained a bit.
"That's why you are second in line, you two will swap out if necessary. Rest of the order is as before. Let's go people!" Iolas round them up.
It was the fifth day. From their training week with Iolas. They had quite a lot of encounters, with plants, beasts, even birds and they all were magical. Iolas had hidden the team occasionally from their senses as he deemed some too dangerous to fight. With some guard shifts established he also finally had taken some naps. It was late afternoon they just had made a longer break and were on their way to the next checkpoint.
"That was one giant turtle…" Kai was still baffled.
Julius agreed, "Yeah, I'm not even sure we could get through the shell even with Paladin weapons…"
"Well, as I said, no encounters are the best encounters," Iolas laughed.
"I'm sure your pierce would have at least made a scratch, what do you say?" Mercury looked at Blade at the back of the line.
'Somethings off…' Blade was irritated. She was slower than she had expected, with more breaks the boys had more than enough magic to keep up their body enhancement magic, so in general they were quicker. Yet she had more breaks as well to meditate or collect stuff for Griffin. 'This is weird…' She was standing in front of yet another mushroom from the list. Well actually it was a substitute but it would be able to do the same as the one she was supposed to collect in the forest back on Magix.
"Hey, sis? Need help with identifying?" Dean asked and halted as well.
'That's a mushroom she already identified…' Iolas halted the whole team.
"Iolas…" Blade looked to the Elf.
"Yes?"
"Can I take lead…I mean walk in the front group," Blade asked a bit reluctantly.
"Sure, thanks for being honest. Anyone else wants to swap or definitely keep their spot?" Everyone shook their head. "Well then, Mercury, take last spot, Julius swap to the back, Blade you take his place," Iolas rearranged the group.
Michael raised an eyebrow, "Are you tired? I thought you are keeping up just fine. We just had a break. I mean you are collecting stuff so you are a bit slower, but you keep up just fine. You're not falling behind."
Kai chuckled, "Maybe you saw too many mushrooms, Sis. I hate mushroom soup too. You do know they tend to be poisonous." He tried to cheer her up.
"You don't say, brother…" Blade shook her head and took her place.
"Let her, one knows his body best," Iolas commented. "We can change order any time. I rather do that than have someone fall behind."
"Blade swap with Michael," Iolas ordered maybe ten minutes later after walking in the never-ending rain. He had kept an eye on her. "Dean, can you take her backpack? Or is that too heavy?"
"No, not at all. The jungle is not so dense here. And you, Kai, are good at picking routes," Dean stepped up to Blade to receive her bag.
"But I can…" Blade protested just slightly. "You sure?"
"Of course, Sis," Dean ruffled through her dreadlocks. "I'm still the muscle on the team."
Julius stepped closer to Iolas and asked a bit more quietly, "Why?"
"She's tired she will rush Kai less than Michael and I want to give her the chance to rest her mind. So, I don't give her first spot," Iolas answered his question.
"But why the backpack?" Keith budded in.
"To increase the rest, she gets. Dean can easily carry two bags. And there are no monsters around. Right, Keith?" Iolas smirked.
"Eh…shit, I forgot to check it's already time again for voice of nature, isn't it?" Keith had the mission to check every five minutes in the radius he was good at for potential threats. That way he had not have to spent magic all the time but it would give the group a heads-up.
"Actually, let's hold for a minute. Keith, please give her a quick check-up," Iolas ordered and stepped to Dean and took the compendium out of Blade's backpack. "Mercury, Julius, Dean, come here a second."
Blade sighed, "That's a bit of an overkill…Dean is already carrying my backpack."
Keith shrugged, "Orders are orders, besides, if you are ill or not is my job to determine in the end." He winked at her. And felt her pulse and forehead. "Any stomach aches? Dizziness? Anything hurts? Something itching or maybe rashes? Got stung?" He also checked her bracelet data.
"No, nothing, I'm just a bit tired," Blade shook her head.
"Verdict?" Iolas asked as he stepped closer to the two.
"All good, she has a normal temperature, pulse is fine, a bit higher magic use than before, but she was running around collecting stuff…" Keith scratched his head.
'Normal temperature? But it's still cold outside… maybe she's one of those types that can deal with cold well. Uncommon for Fairies unless they have ice magic, though. Well she also braced the cold in the fog valley, better than I expected…. Hmmm,' Iolas checked himself quickly and nodded. "Hmm, Blade, please put out your hand flat. Keith that is a good trick for you to learn as well. Once you get the hang of it make sure to teach the others." Iolas pressed his hand against hers. "We both do a tiny magic burst of equal strength. So, Try and push back with your magic. We'll use as much magic as you use for a dart."
Blade readied herself and shot a burst of magic through her palm, and so did Iolas. Both hands got pressed away from each other a tiny bit by the shockwave that occurred, just like with magnets of the same pole.
"Good, that's good news. You guys will need to train this. If two of around equal magic bursts hit. You should get a draw. You should do that when you are in good health and you need to remember that feeling. Once out in the field, you can then compare it."
"So, you were checking my magic flow? Strength, concentration… and reaction time," Blade nodded.
"Exactly, if one is impaired, the burst is weaker or too slow among other things which means only one gets pushed back. That's why you need to train it for it to work, of course, if one uses more magic than the other that little test doesn't work." Iolas finished his explanation and spoke up louder, "Anyways, we'll set up camp here. I want you to meditate Blade. While your magic strength is fine, you are a tad lower than normal. I want to rule out that you just concentrated less on how much magic you used to keep the cold at bay, alright? Kai you need to meditate too due to your pool size will do you some good. Michael you and I will take watch. Keith, you stay with Blade and meditate as well. Rest of you, boys, already have your assignment. Terra Carverna!" He stomped his staff on the ground and readied the hut with his little watch tower.
After a good two hours break they walked on a bit longer. They wanted to get to a better night camp spot before it would get dark. They nearly had reached their spot.
Kai had climbed over a fallen tree and reached out with his hand to help Blade up, "Milady," He smirked and pulled her up.
Blade shook her head, "Milord." She slid down on the other side into a steady filling puddle. 'So fresh in the evening… it's getting colder…and this rain just won't stop at all…' Yet as her feet hit the ground she felt a bit woozy for a second there. Instantly she checked her bracelet, 'What was that? How can I be so tired again? I thought was I just imagining things … It hasn't gotten that cold now, has it?' She stared at the data. 'What?!' She doubled checked confused, the outside temperature actually had risen not dropped.
The others just made the climb. Michael was second to cross and looked at Blade he noticed her frowning, "Everything okay?"
"Give me a second okay? Checking something…" Blade compared her magic output to her own body temperature. 'He? My magic output rose for keeping the same temperature, but its warmer outside... That's a waste. No wonder I'm tired… I am using way too much magic. Using more magic than needed won't raise the body temperature. Ahh, and I thought I finally had the hang of this long-term stuff. Should have concentrated more on what I am doing.' Blade was happy finally she had figured it out.
"What's wrong?" Julius was third.
"All good, I just figured out I was wasting too much magic, Iolas was right. And I thought I had that body enhancement down…ahhh…" Blade shook her head.
"So, that was the problem?" Iolas landed last on the other side. 'Hmm, it's possible. I thought she might have caught a cold…' He stepped closer, "You sure you read the data correctly?" He wanted to check the data but Blade was so chirpy and ready to move on, 'Well, if that was the problem she should improve shortly.'
"Yes, very sure, come on, let's get the camp set up," Blade was super happy and the boys were too.
Iolas had not changed the formation though. He wanted her in sight.
"Ha, how many did you find?" Michael had joined the herb hunt with Keith.
Keith smirked, "Only missing one. Voice of nature truly is an asset for finding stuff…"
"One?" Julius was baffled, "I started earlier and am still missing three…"
"He, I need two more and I didn't even have to cheat," Mercury grinned at Keith.
"I really need to work on this…" Dean shook his head.
Iolas chuckled as he watched them compare their hauls, 'Of course, they make a game out of it. Just like my guys…Only thing missing are the bet prices…'
Kai had stopped since the rest had decided to start their bragging competition in the middle of the rain, "Guys? That's all nice and stuff, but you are slowing me down and I am up front…"
"Yeah, yeah, we are nearly there. We'll get there in no time," Keith laughed.
'Finally, I can rest a bit…' Blade sat down she was tired. She checked her bracelet again. 'Ehhhh, but I, I what? I regulated down… didn't I?' Nothing made sense anymore. "Crap, I was wrong…" she mumbled half loud. "Iolas…"
"Sis, what's up?" Kai gazed at her as he pulled her up the rest had finally stopped bragging.
"I'm way too low on magic…" Blade turned to Kai.
"You are? But you are walking around just fine," Kai held onto Blade as she swayed while standing still. "Woah, hey!"
Iolas alerted rushed over, "Blade, what's wrong? Talk to me."
But as quickly as it had come it had vanished again. Blade looked at the concerned Council Guard, "I was wrong… I regulated down but still, I have less magic… that's not normal I should use less if I actively reduce my output…right?"
Iolas sighed and touched her forehead, 'Still the same….' But he could sense that she was lower than expected with her magic, way lower. 'We were walking like fifteen minutes… this is like tribble what she normally would lose. Shit, so it is a cold and her body automatically uses the magic to counter…got to get her out of the rain.' Iolas turned to the boys. "Dean, take Mercury's backpack. Mercury, you'll carry her. Stick together. Keith with me, I need you as tag-team partner, you can fly too, we'll take care of the last monsters on the route."
"I know, I used up more magic, but isn't that a bit overkill I can walk…I'm just tired…" Blade protested a bit.
"That may be, but you shouldn't be fighting and I rather be on the safe side. If you trip or fall because your concentration is shit you will hurt yourself. We don't want that, this is not up for debate. See you, at the camp. If something is up, use a flare." Iolas swung himself into the air.
"Eh…" But the two already rushed off. Blade grimaced as Mercury was kneeling down for her to get on his back. She wasn't eager to get carried now after all she had made sure before that everyone would be able to carry on. That reverse was nothing she liked.
"I also can carry you on my shoulders if you rather protest the order?" Mercury grinned. Of course, the boys had heard that Coda had carried her around school and some students had made some funny security feed screenshots to remember the occasion which eventually had been passed on to the team.
"In your dreams…" Blade growled back as the boys laughed.
The group had reached the camp without a problem. Keith already was cooking something in a smaller pot. And Iolas was plugging some bird's feathers.
"Hey, there you are!" Keith greeted them happily. "What took you?"
"Shhhhh, not so loud," Julius pointed behind him.
Mercury had a sleeping Blade on his back, "We tried to keep her awake but there was no point really…"
Quickly Michael and Dean set up Blade's sleeping bag, "So much protest and she falls asleep…"
Iolas stood up, "Ah, so it is a cold… Probably from the fog valley. She had next to no protection up even if for just a short while… Should have stopped the exercise there. That was my mistake. She truly does tend to power through… Julius, you need to ask her more often when you are on missions together. I think she doesn't recognise it early enough either. She has a high tolerance for exhaustion and pain. I read about it in the reports and still underestimated that fact…Am not used to that kind of Fairy," He wasn't happy with himself. 'Normally they are much more fragile, the symptoms show up early and clearly. Should have checked furrower.'
'So that's because we screwed up as leaders…shit,' Mercury sat her down, "It's nothing bad is it?" He was worried, that didn't sound good.
"No, she'll get some fever, really depends on how much she buffered with magic. But even then, at most a high feather, isn't pleasant but nothing dangerous. Keith already is cooking up a potion, after all I didn't let you collect herbs for nothing. But in this case, I got to adjust our training…hmmm," Iolas calmed the guys down. They, all, weren't happy about this. Blade had strictly protested in the fog valley, this was on them too not just Iolas or her stubbornness.
Blade woke from the smell of the food and rose, "When did we? Did I fall asleep, again?" She was a bit confused. The camp was all set up and the rest was eating already, "You could have woken me, you know…I could have helped…"
"But we didn't, we can take care of things even without you, you know that, right?" Kai smiled, "Get some food. That bird tastes super funny, good, but weird."
"I'm telling you it tastes like strawberry lickerish," Michael was sure of it and not impressed.
"Nah…its raspberry or something…" Dean was chewing on it weirded out. "You sure this is eatable?"
Iolas shook his head, "No, of course, I gave you something poisonous to eat." He rubbed his forehead in disbelief at the question as a rune on the wall lit up. "Keith?"
"Eh, eh…voice of nature…" He hurried to check it took him a couple of seconds. "Wolfs?"
"Terror Wolfs, yes, bigger pack as well. Mercury, you stay here with Keith. Rest comes with me. Seems they want a bite of our chicken soup." He stood up and stretched.
"I already have to share with Kai, no way," Michael rose as he sighed and laughed. The group had relaxed so much. They didn't pressure themselves on the timer and it showed across the board. This trip was still a pain in the ass and really stressing their magic pools, yet their morale stayed high. Iolas made sure of that.
"See ya, and no touching my bowl, I'll finish it when I get back," Julius glared at Mercury who was eyeing his bowl, 'He is worse than that stupid flower…'
"Ahh, but you never bring me presents…" Mercury pretended to pout. "Good hunting."
Blade had finished her bowl in no time, "Weird taste is no description for that bird…"
"And yet you shoved it down in record time…trying to impress Kai?" Keith was astonished she wasn't picky at all.
"Ha, I don't have to impress my bro, he already loves me like a sister," Blade chuckled. "But why sit here? I feel fine again…"
"Yeah, because you are resting, girl. Can you do me a favour and stop using your body enhancement magic? I would like to check how bad your fever is. The potion is nearly ready, and I need to know how much you gonna need to drink of it, I made more than enough for all of us" Keith requested. Iolas had explained the treatment to him over dinner.
"What? You do know how cold it is, right?" Blade didn't like that idea. She still was freezing a bit.
"Cold? It is super warm… This hut is isolated so well," Mercury looked at her and touched her forehead. 'Still the same…'
"Hey, what is it with you guys toughing my forehead all the time… I'll be fine tomorrow," Blade pouted.
Keith tilted his head, "Your magic is low despite you sleeping… or am I wrong? Sorry not good with sensing others yet…"
Blade nodded, but checked the bracelet nonetheless, "Yeah… I am…well, if you feel so warm, I get your blanket, right?" She grinned at Mercury.
"Sure… Frost Queen," Mercury smirked as his heart made a tiny jump as he was getting his blanket for her. 'She looks too cute then she is sleeping. What was I… ah, right, blanket.'
"Burning Hands!" Iolas hand was set on fire and he pulled a wolf back by its tail, which squeaked surprised.
"Dean! Cover! Kai the branch!" Julius gave his orders.
Michael helped Kai out and together they cut loose a dead tree hanging in the vines. And secured their flank that way. "Behind us!" He spun around.
Kai rolled off the ground and stormed past Julius, "Duck!"
Iolas squatted down quickly as an eager Kai jumped over his head, "Careful…Placidus Ventus!" He swiped with his staff. And blew at least four Terror Wolfs back. "Circle formation, guys, don't break apart too much."
Dean bashed another away with his tower shield and followed up with a thrust, "Don't you have any area spells? There are so many…"
"Of course, I do, but where would be the fun in that," Iolas laughed and stomped down with his staff and a wave ran through the ground and gave them just enough time to regroup.
Julius pulled Iolas back into the middle, "Please, step back, Wizards are to be protected, after all, not the front liners."
"Ha, getting cocky? I can stop fighting in general if you li-"
"NOOO," Michael swapped to his machete.
Kai breathed out, "Why is there no end to them?"
"Because, we're not trying to decimate the population," Iolas explained, "Besides, this is better training and nature is a thing to be protected. Not destroyed. There is no point in killing them. We don't need their meat, fur or other parts for potions or crafting."
"Is that the elven thing to say?" Julius jumped back to not get bitten on the leg and crashed slightly into Iolas.
"Ha, Fairies say the same. But quite frankly anyone can kill and mow stuff down. What do you do when you are to escort some noble and you face off against some citizens who have a grudge? You can't kill those either. Crowd control is a thing," Iolas caught him. "Don't tell me you are tired already boys?"
"Ha, no way," Dean threw some wolfs back that had landed on his shield as they had tried to pounce him just as a red flare exploded in the sky.
"A flare?" Julius was confused. "The others!"
Iolas hammered his staff to the ground and a massive amount of magic build up, "HEDERA!" Within seconds all the Terror Wolfs got tangled up and pressed to the ground. "Voice of nature…" He checked, "No threats close by the camp."
"So, Blade?" Michael stared baffled as Iolas pinned all the wolfs down without a second glance.
"Let's hurry back!" Kai requested, 'Remind me never to get on his bad side… EVER…' He stared at Iolas.
"LEAVE!" Iolas's voice thundered and released the vines and with tucked tails, the Wolf pack vanished into the undergrowth. "Watch your step, people, I don't want to see any broken ankles just because you get sloppy. Keith and Mercury are with her." With haste but not top speed they made their way back.
The guys stumbled through the door, "How is Blade!?" They kind of screamed all together.
Mercury was checking Blade's bracelet for vitals, "…"
"Her fever skyrocketed… I... I just… you said a cup, right? I already gave her one… but nothing happened… Did I do something wrong?" Keith stood at the smaller pot with the potion concoction in it. "Did I screw up? I didn't miss an ingredient, did I?"
"Keith…" Julius looked at him a bit displeased.
Iolas stopped Julius, "Thanks for calling, good call. Let me check. Mercury, step aside so I can show Keith." He kneeled down next to Blade. She was sweaty and breathing heavily. "Hey, Blade, wakey, wakey…" He rubbed her sternum since she had not reacted to the boys coming in.
"Hmmm…." An exhausted squeak quietly came from her. Blade slowly opened her eyes which fell shut again.
"Bring me some water," He asked the boys behind him and set her up and took her hands. "Press both my hands Blade, please," a tighter squeeze came in response. "Good," He felt her forehead, she was burning hot. The bracelet was blinking yellow. "When did you give her the first dosage?"
"Like twenty minutes ago, shortly after she stopped using her body enhancement magic…" Keith answered and Mercury nodded.
"She'll be okay, right?" Mercury was a bit tense as was the rest.
"Are we moving out again?" Blade looked drowsy at the others that request had jump-started her brain. "Just give me…"
"Oh, no, no, you stay put," Keith protested straight away.
Iolas smiled, "Indeed, Blade, let's test your magic flow again." He held his palm up. "Fever is one thing, guys, what truly tells you how good or bad someone is doing is the magic flow."
Blade had pressed hers against his half-asleep and both shot a burst again. This time her hand got pushed back and Iolas's stayed where it was. "… Well, if we're not going, I'll sleep some more…" She mumbled and laid back. She couldn't care less.
Iolas sighed, "Well, she won't rejoin the training sessions, that's for sure." He stood up and tasted the potion. "Your brewing process needs a bit more magic, this one is weak. Give her hmm… every three hours another cup. That will keep her hydrated as well. So, who takes first bed watch, so your healer can get some rest? Tomorrow we'll get closer to the edge of the island to get out of the rain and some sunshine."
"Tomorrow? But is she even able to…" Dean was no fan of this plan.
"Well, it's training for you all how to get your patient back to your school in one piece," Iolas smirked, "She won't walk herself there of course."
"Can't you just heal her up?" Keith was a bit lost.
"Of course, I could. You always can if you have the magic for it. But the body needs to take on the easy stuff on itself. Otherwise, it weakens. Blade can take a bit of fever, she had worse. We, well, you will determine how you will get her home safely. I am here, nothing will go wrong, even if it sucks for her a bit, it's best case scenario to train this kind of thing. And she'll think twice next time if she leads you through an ice fog beside her right assumptions that it is a bad idea. If you were stranded alone, you would need to fix this yourself. A cold is nothing, infections, wounds, internal bleeding, poison… those become problematic not to forget curses and other magically enhanced sources. Okay, or are you too tired to try? I can recall the Owl."
"Keith? You're the healer," Julius asked him first.
Keith scratched his head, "I'd say if her fever drops we can try. I am against moving her with such a high one though. We also need more herbs…"
"Let's build a stretcher, we need to build something to keep the rain off her as well," Kai suggested.
"Yeah, Dean and I can carry her," Mercury nodded.
Dean laughed, "But then we need a different formation…"
"What about something circlish…" Michael added as the team set up a plan.
Iolas leaned back he watched Blade from afar as the team got ready to implement what they had learned. Breaks, scouting, collecting herbs and rations, formations, feedback and lengthy discussions about what elective subjects everyone would pick up once they would get back to Red Fountain and its everyday school life. As well as creating little challenges for different mission types and menial duties. The way back was filled with planning talks and a few skirmishes. Blade got better fast the potion was working. Even if it took a bit longer than normal. But even then, the boys wouldn't let her do a thing. Iolas had next to nothing to do and relaxed most of the time while keeping an extra eye out.
"Oh, and this, Blade don't forget to take this in the evening, for the next five days. And those you brew up in the morning," Keith kept giving her plants and herbs as they just had sat her down at Alfea. The boys had collected all kinds of herbs. Even stuff off her list from Griffin.
"And go early to bed, no late-night studies," Julius reprimanded her.
"Yes, Sir?" Blade was so confused, they were so enthralled by what plants they had found. They behaved as if it was their birthday or something
"Ha, you sound like an old man!" Kai chuckled as he was talking with the guard.
"And what's wrong with that?" Iolas raised an eyebrow. "Do I need to drop you in the ocean again? Uuhh, I know a nice vulcanic planet. You seem to have more than enough energy left," He smirked.
Michael went pale, "No, no, he's tired, no need."
Wizgiz hopped over intrigued by the bursting full Linphean herb bag, "Wow, what you got there?"
"Stuff to trade," Blade grinned, "I need some favours. And you Professor don't get around so much with all the lessons and homework to grade."
Dean snorted, "We collect and you give it away? At least don't undersell alright."
"Yeah, ten percent is our cut," Mercury laughed out loud, "Need to keep our healer stocked up."
"Ha, well, I am sure we'll find a satisfying compromise in my favour," Wizgiz grinned amusedly.
"Blade!" Snow and Nebula came running and threw her to the ground for a hug. "How was it?!"
"Ahh, the medicine!" Keith's heart sank to his boots as he quickly caught everything.
Nebula giggled, "You got ill again? I thought you just got out of that slump. Getting back to your bad habits?"
"Nooo, that was his fault!" Blade pointed at Iolas. "He behaved like a sneaky Sorceress, not like a Council Guard at all!" Blade pouted.
"I don't know what you mean, I never said you need to rush," He laughed.
"Next time, we'll ace whatever you will throw at us," Julius was fired up and the rest of the boys nodded decisively.
