Vice Captain!

The new day dawns as a familiar sound awakens the young boy. “Knock, Knock Joshua. We’re letting ourselves in.” Entering in quickly the twins greet the youngest, watching him amusedly as Joshua sits up trying to gain his bearings. "Damn it guys, I should have locked the door!" With a yawn he puts on a mask turning his head towards them. “So, what do I owe the pleasure?” The two of them start speaking at once but Vilhelm stops and lets his brother take the lead.

“We noticed that after sparring you just kind of ran off, I saw you through the window, I was just kinda concerned about you is all. We know that Anna wrote you a letter, but I felt like we should check on you ourselves. You are family after all.” Looking down with a softer expression. Wham. Vilhelm slaps his brother on the back. "Don't forget the other news!" Wilhelm lets out a sigh. "Oh and yeah congratulations on your promotion."

Cutting him off in a hurry, Joshua looks towards them befuddled. “Vice-captain?”

“Yeah, After you ran off yesterday, you probably didn’t see Layrn coming back. She had asked how everyone’s sparring went and since you beat Vil, and Anna is out of commission you kind of got made our vice-captain.” Wilhelm starts explaining.

“Apparently, it’s so if Layrn isn’t around, we can still function as a proper squad and continue our training without interruption.” Vilhelm cuts his brother off. Neither twin giving Joshua a chance to speak.

“Okay then, that’s news to me. I guess I’ll try my best.” Joshua shakes his check and lets out another yawn.

“That’s the spirit, now get dressed so we can head out on our morning run. Layrn wants us to be careful though and stay vigilant of that mutant wolf. It attacked another cadet from bear squad, messed him all up.” Nonchalantly Joshua stands up and quickly gets changed. After tightening the armor plating on his tunic and throwing on the proper blackwood uniform, he stretches his arms out almost clocking Vilhelm in the face. Thankfully he backs up. “I see how it his little bro, you ready for our rematch already?”

“As long as you’re ready to lose again.” A grin spreads across the two’s faces. as Wilhelm steps in between the two. “Okay guys not in here, lets head outside if you want to fight.” Wilhelm comments misreading the situation. Joshua and Vilhelm burst out laughing as Vil puts his hand on Wil’s shoulder he chuckles aloud. “It not that serious Wil we’re just messing around.”

The three of them eventually head outside and make their way to the gate leading to Mount Shiraia. “You’ll help Wil find his weapon of choice right vice-captain.” Vilhelm curiously questions.

Joshua lifts his brow in remembrance of what kind of weapon Wilhelm used in previous life. "Yeah a pole-arm definitely ain't gonna cut it. and Vil... I refuse to let you be so damn flashy! “Sure. I can do that. But first; Last one to the top of the mountain has to clean the drill hall.”

“You’re on!” The twins call out as the three of them race up the side of the mountain knowing that they left the drill hall a mess the night prior.

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Layrn watching from the distance smiles to herself. “I’m glad everyone is getting along so well; it’ll make the next test I have for them more interesting. I’m sure it will provide a good lesson."

The commandant standing beside her responds in kind, “You know Layrn, seeing those three; It brings me back to my younger years. Back then I used to be quite the bundle of energy myself, Me, Andric and Juliana.” Closing his eyes the commandant reminisces on the olden days, “I hope that vice-captain of yours is ready for what comes next.”

“What’s next?” Layrn raises an eyebrow, a peculiar look showing on her face.

“You’ll find out soon enough Layrn.”

“Any context to that sir?” Layrn questions. "That's ominous as fuck, You better not be risking all these children safety!"

With a chuckle like he could read her mind he answers. “There’s a unique phenomenon around here Layrn, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise. After all it’s been a few years since the last one.”

“Understood.” Layrn doesn’t bother questioning the commandant further as she rolls her eyes.

“That’s what I like to hear.” The commandant laughs aloud as the jingling of a necklace could be heard around his neck.

The two of them then go their separate ways as Layrn heads to the drill hall to set up a few things. "Wolf squad I hope you're ready!"

---------------

As Joshua casually runs up the side of the mountain he calls over to his brothers gloating. “Come on guys, It’s not that bad.”

“Says who.” The twins clamor, climbing up out of a small rock-slide. Shaking themselves off they get back up and take a deep breath. "I believe in you guys!" Joshua teasingly laughs as he races on ahead. After a time, the three reach the summit of Shiraia to a confusing sight.

“Anna, what are you doing up here when you’re supposed to be resting?” Vilhelm chokes out, clearly out of breath.

“I got permission from our captain.” Susanna chuckles. “I can’t let you all get that far ahead of me, we’re a team after all and a team is only as strong as its weakest link.” The olive-skinned girl beams with a smile as her injured arm stiffens up within its sling so it can heal properly.

Turning around to face Joshua she changes her tune. “Good morning vice-captain, I hope you’ll take good care of me.” Joshua is left speechless as she confidently gets in his face

“I’ll do my best.” Taking a step back, he awkwardly rubs the back of his neck as Susanna giggles seeing Joshua in better spirits. Even though they all still wonder what was wrong with him last night.

The three of them then start staring at Joshua. “What? Is there something on my face.” Joshua runs his hand across his face.

“No silly, we’re waiting on your orders, Layrn was very adamant that we listen to you!” The realization finally hits him that they are taking the vice-captain thing seriously. “Very well then, wolf squad let’s get back to base and Vilhelm.”

“Yeah captain.” The boy replies.

“Don’t think I forgot our bet.” Joshua chuckles.

“Damn it all.” Vilhelm throws his arms in the air before pouting bitterly about losing.

“What kind of bet was made?” Susanna questions. “Oh, the last person to the summit has to clean up the drill hall.”

“Really! That’s it.” She chimes seemingly a tad disappointed.

“Don’t give him anymore ideas Anna. we already left the drill hall a disaster yesterday.” Vilhelm whines.

Draxis looks on at this whole situation amused. “Well, they seem to be a lively bunch today.” Joshua chuckles to himself as they make their way back down to their drill hall, Layrn waiting patiently for her cadets to arrive. Forty or so minutes later, as they all file into the drill hall Layrn where she greets them with fervor. “Good morning cadets, I’m glad to see you all full of energy today, since you’re going to need it.”

The four of them sweat drop. “Today I have two things prepared for all of you; firstly, twins step forward.”

“YES, SQUAD LEADER.”

“Now, what do you see before you?” Layrn asks, the answer being obvious.

“A table arrayed with weapons.” Wilhelm hesitantly answers.

“Correct. Now Joshua come stand by my side.” Joshua nods before making his way beside his captain.

“Joshua pick the weapons that they will be training with for the rest of their time here.”

The twins’ eyes widen, knowing that Joshua could royally screw with them. A smirk forms on his face as they look towards their younger brother with pleading eyes.

“So, it can be anything on this table?” Joshua questions. “That’s right vice-captain.” Layrn nods with a wink as Joshua closes his eyes doing his best to remember the weapons that they used when they got older.

“Vilhelm had the most finesse between the two, but trying to show off his dominance he chose to wield a great sword even though he didn’t have the build for it. As for Wilhelm, his bulky frame never suited a pole-arm. Who the hell decided that was a good idea." Rolling his eyes, he signals to his master. “What do you think Draxis?”

“Well if it were me, I’d pick something that suits both of their individual strengths, if they want to change it later, it’d be on them.”

"Fair point.” Joshua mentally replies as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Looking back towards his squad he shouts from his diaphragm “VILHELM.”

“YES VICE CAPTAIN.” Replying with equal energy, Joshua commands him to grab a weapon. “Go and pick up the Liuyedao, pointing to a longer yet slightly curved sabre. As he commands Vilhelm does so picking up the blade before swinging it around with relative ease.

“The weight and length of this blade ,this is perfect.” Layrn nods agreeing with Joshua’s choice. “Make your way outside and start practicing on the dummies out back.”

“YES VICE CAPTAIN.” Vilhelm cries out.

Vilhelm makes his way outside and starts practicing with his new blade as Joshua calls out again. “WILHELM STEP FORWARD.” As commanded the bulkier of the two steps forward.

“Pick up the morning star.” Joshua catches a glance of intrigue from his captain.

“YES VICE CAPTAIN.” He steps forward wrapping his hand around the mace before closing his eyes and getting a feel for it.

“Thank you, vice-captain, I won’t let you down.” Joshua nods feeling confident in his choices. “Go join Vilhelm outside.” Joshua replies to Wilhelm. "That was easy enough, I hope I made the right decision though."

“YES SIR.” Vilhelm cries out, leaving the other three in silence.

Layrn steps forward turning towards her newly appointed vice-captain. “The morning-star and a sabre, very interesting choices, I’m looking forward to seeing how those two perform. Of course, Wilhelm will have to get used to a new weapon , but I’m sure I can find something to help him with that. Taking a moment to regather her thoughts, she tuns to look them in the eyes. “Joshua, Susanna for the second thing I’ve prepared step forward.” The two follow her command without question as she hands them a booklet with pictures and descriptions of wild beasts and fauna native to the area.

“For now, I’d like the two of you to start hunting the beasts in this booklet. Of course, this mutated wolf strikes again.”

The two of them turn to her in confusion. “I was tasked with bringing in a bunch of beasts by the vice lieutenant, not quite sure why he wants them, but I figured it would be good practice for the two of you.” They nod. “Aside from that, most of y'all guy use swords and are doing relatively fine. Susanna on the other hand uses primarily ranged weaponry... She needs more practice hunting alongside her peers.”

“Understood Captain.” Joshua nods his head as Susanna stands around, her feet bouncing a little bit. Layrn winks at her causing her to turn around and walk off flustered. “Ahh, Youth.” She mumbles quietly to herself.

“Indeed, Captain.” Joshua replies forgetting that he is currently a kid himself. Layrn looks at Joshua with an eyebrow raised. Proceeding to ignore it, she purses her lips. “That is all vice-captain you’re also dismissed.”

“Understood.” Joshua bows slightly before making an about face and leaving the drill hall. Layrn just stands in silence looking at him leave “Joshua, you are really peculiar aren’t you. something feels off, I just can't put my finger on it.” Flipping her hair, she also makes her leave.

As Joshua makes his way out, Draxis interjects. “Kid, I think that lady is trying to play matchmaker. I mean she even winked at that girl before she left.” Joshua left eyes twitches.

“That’s highly unlikely master, she just wants to make sure we get strong as soon as possible. Something big should begin soon, but I can’t quite remember what it is.”

“Something should happen soon?” Joshua nods his head. “ Yeah, we were taught that something odd happens every three to five years.”

“That’s weird, any details you can remember?” Draxis questions. All that comes to mind is a blood red sky and something about excessive monsters.

“Hmmm, seems vaguely familiar" Draxis mumbles. Trying to piece things together, Joshua struggles. “We’ll need to start looking into it, I’ll start taking mental notes if I remember anything. If I can prevent any tragedies from occurring here, I’d prefer it.” Joshua races forward catching up to Susanna. No longer flustered they eventually make their way to the training grounds watching the twins hard at work. Across the way, Orthon and the boar squad were ‘training’ on the opposite side against their captain.

“When did they get here? Joshua asks his brothers. signaling his head towards boar squad. “Oh, they were here when we got here, they kind of gave us weird looks after seeing our weapons but eventually ignored us” Wilhelm replies.

Vilhelm in response comments on what he’s seen to Joshua. “That Gytha is intense, she has been relentlessly beating her cadets like she’s just taking her frustrations out on them. I’m so glad our captain isn’t like that.”

“Like what?” A cold feminine voice rips through the air causing the four of them to turn and face Gytha herself. The woman was dressed in a sleek black and red dress designed for combat as senbon and an engraved red and black rests on her side. The engravings look heavily like mana sigils.

“Wolf squad greets the captain of boar squad.” Joshua whips around bowing respectfully. “So, for what do we owe this pleasure.” Gytha grins, respecting the proper protocol coming from the wolf squads vice-captain.

“I was just watching the two of them.” She points towards the twins. “And I was just wondering what Layrn had up her sleeves, after all the four of us squad leaders have very different training methods.” The twins gulp silently while standing in attention. “Oh my, dear, what happened to your arm?” Gytha feigns concern towards Susanna hoping for her to speak out of turn, Joshua on the other hand shoot her a glare saying don’t open your mouth.

“While on a hunt in the forest, that mutated dire wolf caught her off guard and got the jump on her before I made my way out to go find her.” Joshua replies in her stead.

A bit disappointed the youngest caught onto her game responds in kind. “So, she’s making you all train outside the camp, how reckless of her. But I guess since three of you have aura you’ll be fine.” Shaking her head, she continues “No matter, if it brings in results who can blame her. Thank you all for your time I must depart, Orthon still needs extra attention after his lost to you dear Joshua.” Gytha gleams wickedly leaving the four of them to catch their breath.

“What the hell was up with that pressure?” Vilhelm gasps out.

“And what was that look for? Susanna questions with frustration

Lifting a finger up he slams it onto his opposite palm. "Oh yeah, I should probably explain, Gytha is a special case. Only other captains or vice captains are allowed to talk to her and if one gets caught doing so, she has full permission to punish whosoever offends her title from the commandant. And I’ll warn you all, as you heard about poor Orthon, you don’t want to be on her bad side.” Sweat drops from his brow.

Wolf squad salute as Wilhelm continues asking a question, but why did she feel different from us?” Joshua nods his head and speaks.

“Gytha has Zephyr blood..." The twins back up in shock. "I know what you're going to say, but don't! She’s not an adept mage, only having four mana circles. She also prefers blade combat. It has allowed her to rise through the Terra clan’s ranks. Especially since she is a turn coat.

Wilhelm with curiosity looks towards Joshua wide eyed. The information giving him more far more questions than answers. Looking at Joshua gratefully, Vilhelm smirks. If he hadn't warned them, they would have been screwed. "I'm so glad your a damn book worm Joshua." Stepping forward, he pats his brother on the shoulder. Letting out a sigh of relief, the twins decide to call it a day and head off leaving Joshua and Susanna by their lonesome.

“Well then…” Joshua looks at Susanna feeling a bit euphoric. “Want to go start hunting the beasts in that book.” Waving the booklet around, he gets her attention. Putting on a smile she steps towards him. “Sure, I’m just glad it wasn’t my dominate arm that got hurt by that 'thing.'” Looking at her arm then thinking about that beast Joshua's mind ticks. Rage slowly bubbling under the surface.

Feigning a cool and composed persona she lifts her fist up confidently. She is however still slightly terrified to go hunting after her last excursion. Unknowingly comforting her, he pats her on the back. “Don’t worry about it Anna, it’ll only be for a few hours. The sun is still brightly shining about this day.” Susanna's shoulders relax.

“Nice one kid, you’ve got her wrapped around your fingers.” Joshua blatantly ignores Draxis as the two of them head back to the the drill hall collecting their things alongside a decently sized platform dolly. After this the two head on out of blackwood to hunt.

It takes a few hours, and another close call with another feline creature before Susanna shoot a bolt through its skull and shouts loudly “Jackpot.” Joshua chuckles at her as he makes his way over to the beast and starts dragging it to the dolly. "Jackpot... I wonder where she heard that one!"

“Disregarding that close call, we should have killed five of the creatures in the book by now. I guess we can head back now and we've still got plenty of daylight.” Susanna nods her head gratefully as she holsters her crossbow back in its place. “Agreed, let’s get all of this back to Andric.”

Joshua’s face scowls at the mention of Andric name. “Yeah, let’s do that and let’s make it fast!” Joshua's eyes burn red. Susanna chooses to ignore it, unsure of Joshua's reasoning for hating Andric.

A little while later, they make their way back and cart the creatures to Andric’s office being let in cheerfully. “Oh, Layrn has her cadets helping out with my project. I’m quite grateful for everyone’s help. Please send Layrn my regards.”

“It’s not a problem vice-lieutenant.” Joshua and Susanna bow, Joshua hiding his disdain.

But as they rise and start heading towards the door they get stopped. “Hey Susanna before you leave, don’t forget that I’m offering special classes for outstanding cadets like yourself.” His eyes glow as a hint of green slips beyond his spectacles. She for some strange reason feels a hint of blood-lust coming from beside her, as Joshua struggling to hold back his malice. "Don't listen to that lying piece of shit." Draxis internally sends a shock to knock sense back into his disciple.

"Calm down kid, now is not the time!"