Orthon's Rematch

The next morning, Joshua is awoken by a shout. To his surprise, as he makes is way out into camp, he's suddenly tackled by the smaller of the twins. Vilhelm shouts with glee; “CAPTAIN, your back.”.

“We thought you were dead.” Wil responds in tandem, relief on his face.

Knocking his brash brother off of him, he stands back up. Brushing himself off he rambles out. “First of all, OW, and second If I were dead, I’d be more concerned about yourselves more than me.” The two of them following this look at him with confusion.

Shaking his head towards the two, he looks at them dumbfounded. “What do you think would have killed me out there, it’s not like this mountain is crawling with 4th tier monsters and up. Hell, I’m pretty sure the only things we see up here is the occasional boar, stag, or coyote. The areas around the camp below are more dangerous the Arctos was an exception, not the rule.”

“What about that wolf?” Wilhelm questions.

Joshua lets out a sigh of relief. “Thankfully it hasn’t been around here or else we’d have a fight on our hands.” Draxis internally comments on the albino. “And all be dead.”

Rolling his eyes, Joshua continues. “The barrier I made wouldn’t be able to withstand its fury. Damn thing was at least three times the size of a regular dire wolf.” Joshua as he thinks back to the damage Susanna was left in by that bastard, as well as the other cadets it hunted down. “Honestly, I don’t even know how she survived in the first place. If it wanted to kill her it would have.”

Joshua’s eyes glow red. “Before we leave this place, I’ll have its damn head.” Wilhelm looks at Joshua wondering why he gets so angry at the mention of that albino wolf and thusly changes the subject.

“So, you ready to train with us today then?” Wilhelm grins.

With the nod of his head Joshua continues. “Of course, we can get started as soon as everyone’s awake and ready. I needed to get in contact with Orthon anyways.”

Turning to face his foolhardy brother he sends out a command. “Vilhelm get Anna’s attention and let her know that we’re heading out in fifteen minutes.”

“Understood Captain.” Joshua hides a smile. “I like that they take this captain thing seriously, definitely a welcomed change of pace.”

Following this, Joshua makes his way back to his cavern equipping his blade to his side and quickly heads to the front gate. A few minutes later everyone gathers as they prepare to head down the mountain. Joshua in the lead practices his aura usage in his feet slowing his forward momentum.

Vilhelm on the other hand, envious of Joshua notices what he’s doing and attempts to do it himself; quickly running forward picking up speed rapidly only to face plant and barrel roll himself into a nearby tree. Susanna and Wilhelm stop to check on him, she can’t help but giggle at his misfortune.

Wilhelm helps his brother back to his feet, wearing a sheepish grin. All the while shaking his head at his twin’s attempt to look cool.

“Bro, I know you want to keep up with Joshua, but one step at a time. He’s been pushing himself since he found out that his training would begin. We’re the ones who’ve wasted a whole years’ worth of training goofing off.

“I know Wil, but he’s the youngest. I refuse to let him keep the lead.” Shaking himself off he turns to the giggling mess that’s Susanna.

“Anna that's just cold, I thought we were friends.” Vilhelm jokingly cries as they continue heading down.

As they finally make it to the base of the mountain Joshua is already in conversation with Orthon. Vilhelm looks on in confusion at the situation. “When did he actually make it down here, I didn’t think we were that far behind.”

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Fifteen minutes earlier, Orthon as he was practicing his sword strikes notices Joshua descending the mountain rapidly and sneakily made his way outside of the gate, hopefully not catching any unwanted attention. Making his way over to Joshua, he motions with his fingers for him to come closer.

“Hey Joshua, I overheard Weil and Gytha talking about how you were recently promoted to the captain of your squad. What happened since we last talked?” The two shake hands.

Joshua chuckles at the perplexed look on Orthon’s face. “Well, that’s a story and a half. You have some time to kill?”

“Always.” Orthon replies with a cheer.

“Great, well where should I start then?” A smile crosses his lips as he thinks about high Gytha’s rage towards him must be that point.

Joshua places his hand on his chin. “I guess to start with, our camp on the mountain is fully complete. Between the four of us, we got it done in no time. Aside from that, a few days ago Layrn had her position changed. Wanting to see how far we’ve come along, she sparred with all of us.”

“Seems normal enough behavior to me for these batshit crazy instructors, what’s different?” Orthon interjects.

“I was about to get there. Obviously, she beat the others and gave them valuable critiques, then it was my turn. We started sparring as you know and as the battle kept heating up, she started getting consumed by blood lust. I guess it was her dark elf blood acting up. In that moment, her eyes changed and well we were off to the races. Something came over me as well, and I used runes on her by accident.”

Orthon gasps remembering their previous conversation. “WHAT! I thought you said you were keeping that a secret.”

Joshua sheepishly chuckles. “Yeah, that kind of went out the door when they questioned the barrier on the camp. Does anyone down here know about it?”

Orthon shakes his head, Joshua lets out a sigh of relief. “Good, keep it that way. It may become very important later down the line for people’s survival.”

Orthon looks at Joshua with concern about that last part. “Don’t worry about it right now, we’ll discuss that later when the rest of my squad gets here. Also if it’s not an issue, can you go get captain Gyles as well.”

“My captain?” Orthon looks on in confusion.

“Yeah, it’s kind of serious. Layrn warned me about something.” Orthon nods his head.

“As I was saying, I guess muscle memory must have kicked in and I started using runes to keep up with her. Mind you I was also pushing my aura stream to its limits, and that wasn’t enough.

“Aura stream?” Orthon ponders.

“Thankfully though with a little bit of help, I was able to land that same explosion rune you saw me use back with that wolf pack. It sent her flying and knocked her out of the fight netting me the win.”

Wide eyed Orthon looks over to his friend. “You beat your captain in a fight? How… isn't he an elite soldier? I mean I think I could take Gyles, but he doesn’t ever physically train and honestly just seems like a gentle old man giving us tips as we’ve been training ourselves.”

A look crosses Joshua’s face at the Orthon’s poor assessment. “Pffffft, yeah you wouldn’t beat him in fight.”

“Hey don’t laugh what do you mean I wouldn’t.” Orthon whines.

“Firstly, he has a lifetime of experience and second…” Joshua gets in close and whispers. “Rumors say he’s just as strong as the commandant.” Orthon steps back in shock.

As the two boys continue talking, an older man dressed in a trench coat sneaks up behind them. “I hear you’re talking about me Orthon, what did I tell you about talking about people behind their back?” Orthon freezes up as Joshua bows and greets his fellow captain and old teacher. “He wasn’t saying anything bad Gyles, he just has to learn that looks can be deceiving.”

“Hah,” Joshua gets a light chuckle from the older man.

“Indeed he does, but he has been stepping up and helping his fellow stag cadets with their training along with his own. He a very kind person behind his peculiar visage.”

Orthon’s ears turns red. “Don’t say that out loud master, it’s embarrassing.”

“Oh, don’t be embarrassed about having a kind heart, the world could use more of you.” Gyles places his hand on Orthon’s shoulder as he turns to Joshua.

“I heard you said you needed to talk to me about some important Joshua?” “He always did hear everything we talked about didn’t he.” Joshua reminisces.

“Yeah, I just wanted to wait until my squad got here, but look over there” Nodding towards the trail down the mountain, Joshua’s squad finally makes to the bottom. Running up to their captain, they stand at attention as soon as they notice stag squads captain.

Waving his hand, he dismisses his own squad who were hiding behind a fence. “Stag squad you’re dismissed, I’m having a meeting with Joshua.” The two younger girls nod their heads and take their leave as Gyles turns to wolf squad.

“No need to be all stuck up like that, take a seat. Young Joshua has an important message for me. Go ahead Joshua what is it you needed to tell us.” Wolf squad immediately relax, their positions shifting as Gyles stated. They turn to face the two captains.

“Okay so Layrn warned me about Andric, apparently there will also there be a devastating event that’s going to occur in Blackwood soon.”

“Start with that Andric fellow then.” Gyles crosses his hands.

“With pleasure.” Joshua takes a deep breath. “From what she told me, he's bad news and doesn’t trust the guy. Personally I agree with her as I hate the bastard. But apparently, he’s weakened all the defensive runes in Blackwood's perimeter leaving the camp vulnerable.”

“What!” Orthon blurts out as he receives a stern look from his captain. “Sorry guys.” He mumbles.

“As I was saying on top of what she told me, I’ve been practicing my aura sense as well and the runes down here have definitely grown dim, it won’t be long before they go inert.” The older man pauses in thought.

“You know, I didn’t trust the guy from the first moment I ever laid my eyes on him, but I didn’t think that badly of him. Are you sure it was him.”

Joshua nods, “Of course, I wouldn’t have come down here to tell you otherwise.” Gyles nods as Joshua continues.

“When I came to Blackwood, I could sense the energy therein and they barely have any life to them at all now. And I don’t even think the commandant knows either.”

Gyles closes his eyes sensing the walls around them. “It seems that you are correct, the barrier seems close to breaking and without replacement sigils it could collapse at any moment. I just don’t know how the commandant wouldn’t know.”

“Good observation, personally I think he’s been blinded by something between the two of them. I just have no idea if he’s also in on it. That leads me to the second part. Me and wolf squad have officially established our camp on the top of mount Shiraia.”

Gyles nods his head. “Like what Layrn said, something very bad is about to happen here.” Joshua reiterates deciding to not tell the complete truth.

“A few days ago, I came in contact with a Jikan on the mountain. Shortly after I had a vision.” Everyone pays close attention to Joshua’s words.

“Blackwood is going to be split in two, the walls are going to collapse and beasts are going to run amok and the sun is going to turn black.”

“That’s a very interesting vision young one, how are you sure of this? And how do you know it was a Jikan?” Gyles eyes narrow unconvinced.

“I firstly I was meditating and circulating my aura when a massive flash of light shook my psyche. And secondly…” Joshua pulls out his notebook with the Jikan’s sketch as Susanna pipes up.

“It’s definitely a Jikan, captain Gyles. Everything matches with what my tribe's elder always told me about them.” Susanna quickly covers her mouth after interrupting.

Gyles nods his head with a smile ignoring her outburst. “Very well then captain Joshua, might I ask why you decided to warn me in particular then?”

Joshua hesitates for a moment. “I don’t exactly have many people I can trust around here. I mean as soon as I arrived here, the commandant tried to kill me.”

“How do you know that?” Joshua pauses for a moment. “When I showed up here, I heard a distinct whistle and a large creature barreled towards me and killed my caravan driver right after. I don’t know anyone else here who would have the power to subdue such a creature.”

Closing his eyes, Gyles recollects the few times he’s noticed a whistle around the commandant’s neck. “So that’s what that whistle does.”

“At any rate, I just wanted to extend an open hand to you and any of the other cadets if things go south. If and when the black sun rises, please send them to our camp. I’ve crafted a barrier with runes surrounding the perimeter and none of the regular beasts that run about Blackwood should be able to break through. I just don’t want to see everyone get slaughtered.”

Joshua looks down as a warm smile greets him when he looks up. Reaching out his hand Joshua takes it.

“Very well, if things go south, I’ll direct them to the summit of the mountain. As for you though, face Orthon again in battle.” His eyes turn fierce, as Orthon jumps back in shock nearly falling over.

Regaining himself, he looks to his captain, “But captain he beat Layrn in a fight, what am I supposed to do to him.”

“Boy, Layrn is the youngest of the captains, she can use neither aura or mana and she’s only 24.” This statement catches a gasp from the twins.

“She’s that young! How she looks like she’s been on the battlefield for years.” Getting smacked on the back of the head Vilhelm yells, “What was that for?” Turning around to see Susanna.

“Don’t insult my master and don’t assume a woman’s age.” This catches a snicker from Joshua and Draxis.

“I assumed she was on the younger side myself. Orthon, you heard Gyles let's go.” Unable to refuse Orthon sighs as all of them make their way out into a nearby clearing as the two combatants stare each other down. With a smirk Joshua comments to himself. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”

“Yeah, this time you can actually utilize your aura. Good luck kid, and as you know just ask me for help if you start getting your teeth kicked in.” Joshua rolls his eyes as Gyles starts to speak.

“You two will begin when I say go, Remember no holding back, and Orthon.” He looks towards his pupil as Orthon’s gaze gets serious. “Yes captain.”

“Show him the efforts of your training.” Orthon nods his head in response. "Yes."

As he readies himself, Orthon places his sword above his opposing arm as his eyes begin to emit a blue glow his aura only coating his blade. In response Joshua stretches his blade arm outward wrapping his other arm behind his back. A scarlet red glow enveloping his form.

“ON MY MARK, BATTLE BEGIN.” Swinging his arm down, Orthon rushes forth swinging his blade down towards Joshua as meets his strike, the two blades bouncing off on one another. With the force exerted they realize that they won't be able to take each other lightly this time around. Skipping the warm up, they grasp their blades with both hands, immediately getting into a deadlock. The sound of grinding metal rippling through the air.

Pushing towards one another, Joshua’s eyes fill with excitement, as a smile creeps onto his face. “Keep it up Orthon, don’t let me down.” Lifting his left leg up, he kick Orthon back staggering him.

Joshua aims to finish this quickly, going for a finishing blow as Orthon slides out of the way. Whipping his blade around, he sends a reverse spin strike back towards Joshua. Blocking the strike, Joshua rushes forward attempting to parry him as Orthon swings his blade downwards catching him in the process. The sound of metal rings through the clearing.

With Joshua's blade stuck towards the ground and Orthon holding the advantage, he runs his finger along the edge of his blade drawing blood as he traces a cyclone rune on it as a massive gust of wind sends the blue haired boy reeling back.

Shaking the blood off of his hand, he decides to take advantage of his Orthon being caught off guard and grips his blade tightly running towards him.

Thrusting towards his midsection Orthon partially dodges the strike dipping lower to the ground as the blade pierces his left shoulder instead. Wincing in pain, but not giving up, he takes a deep breath as a blue glow wraps itself around him as the two launch at one another yet again.

The stalemate continues on as one of Joshua's eyes instinctually turn draconic catching a glance from Gyles. “Interesting eye, kid.” A smile shows visibly on his face seeing the two boys evenly matched. Both prodigies showing off their battle instincts and technique.

“How in the world is he keeping up with Joshua?” Vilhelm questions wide eyed. “I’ve been sparring with him for a while now and I haven’t even come close.” Susanna shakes her head turning to face him.

“Vil, that’s because your physically weaker than both of them. Start actually doing your calisthenics and strength training and you’ll keep up better.” Vilhelm dejectedly looks down knowing that she’s telling the truth.

As time goes on stag squad eventually make their way to the arena finding their comrade in close combat. They begin to cheer Orthon on as wolf squad does likewise. The two fighters are both sweating profusely and exhausted after pushing themselves so far, each of them ready to finish this fight.

Joshua’s eye focus on all of Orthon’s movements and reactions. “Just like last time Josh, lets end this with a bang.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Orthon replies through weighted breaths.

The two of them stand up straight as they activate all of their aura manifesting it into their blades as in a flash the two slam their blades against one another. The sheer shock wave produced causes a dust cloud that obscures everyone’s vision and as it eventually clears, Joshua comes out on top.

As Orthon collapses to a knee, Joshua reaches a hand out to help him back up. “THE BATTLE HAS BEEN DECIDED, JOSHUA VON TERRA WINS.” Gyles calls out.

“Good match Orthon.” Joshua vocalizes with a smile.

“Likewise, Joshua. I honestly didn’t think I’d do that well.” Orthon takes deep breath clearly exhausted.

Walking up to his cadet, Gyles stops the two and comments on the fight. “Orthon, you have marvelous talent it just needs to continually be honed. As for you young Joshua, I can see why you beat Layrn. She fights animalistically and you seem used to that form of combat.” Joshua nods his head as Gyles continues.

“It’s a good thing to test yourselves daily, it helps one grow and evolve as a warrior.”

“Thank you, sir.” Joshua interjects.

“Indeed, I do have one question for you though; how come you only used that strange runic ability once?”

“Its very taxing on the body, I prefer not to use them unless I have too, as you saw he had fully caught me and locked my blade in place. Had I not just like with the fight with Layrn, this fight could've ended differently.”

Gyles nods gently “I’m glad you recognize your weaknesses, take this experience and learn from it.”

“Yes sir.” Joshua bows in respect.

“Very good,” Turning around he stares at their audience and then back to Joshua “Stag squad we must get going, it’s time for our next lesson. Thank you once again for the warning Joshua, I’ll start preparing my squad accordingly.”

“No problem; Wolf squad lets head back as well.” Joshua commands.

“Yes captain.” The four of them bow as they slowly make their way back up the mountain, giving Joshua a little while to recover his stamina while Susanna and Wilhelm catch some of the local wildlife and get them ready to transport back to camp. Eventually they finish the trek back up the mountain, reaching the entrance of their camp. The runes glow softly as the shade of the clouds darkens the sky letting their visibility shine through.

Gathering at the front gate Joshua’s squad start questioning him about his vision. They knew there was more to it than what he was letting on. After ignoring the topic the entire climb, they were concerned wanted to know if there is anything they can do to help.

Turning to face them, Joshua decides to finally explain everything in detail. As he stops moving, he turns to them getting ready to speak. “I should start from the beginning. The vision in which I saw, the skies became corroded in a red miasma as the suns corona became stained purple.” Everyone listens in taking in the information.

“The trees around the camp began shattering into green dust as the ground throughout the camp ripped open. A massive surge of ethereal energy shot forth into the sky. During the pandemonium, strange monsters leaking a green fluid began to surface. On top of that the gates surrounding the camp fell quickly due to the onslaught of the beasts as if in a hazed frenzy.

In a panic the four squads get split up each one escaping to their nearby drill halls. As this went on most of the captains, who looking out for their own skin blocked themselves inside their own quarters. They left everyone to themselves. In a panic people started dying, and as such most the survivors corralled themselves together in the nearby buildings.

I also recall seeing a massive fire. Aside from this the only thing I can remember is that the commandant was fighting against a huge chimera like monster with glowing green eyes.”