𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙧 |AotxMaleOc

ODM gear training

The next morning Ari woke up before everyone else in the dorm, an old habit of his that had never really gone away, just one of many things he'd gotten as a result of his dad's training. He knew full well if he tried to go back to sleep it just wouldn't work.

Ari's thoughts: Guess I may as well get an early start on the day. I should at least have the mess all to myself for now. And it's not like I want to do the ODM aptitude test on an empty stomach.

So he got on a fresh pair of clothes and snuck out as quietly as possible. As he walked to the mess he was given a beautiful sight, an amazing sunrise. The sun had just barely begun to show itself over the horizon and It lit up the sky a nice orange and the clouds that decorated the sky were lit up a little as well.

Ari got to the Mess hall and could smell food coming from it, he smiled at this and headed in. Only to be greeted with a sight so scary he thought he may be having a nightmare. Shadis.

Shadis was sitting at one of the tables close to the door eating what looked to be his breakfast. Both were equally surprised to see the other. Almost out of instinct Ari slammed his fist against his chest, put his feet together, and stood up straight.

Ari: Commandant Shadis! Good morning!

Shadis, still a little surprised, nodded at Ari. Then with genuine curiosity in his voice inquired about why Ari was here.

Shadis: Good morning, Cadet Foerster, what are you doing up so early? I wasn't going to wake you welps up for another hour.

Ari, still holding his strict pose, didn't expect a somewhat calm demeanor from Shadis at all, even if he was still scary in doing so.

Ari: It's just been a habit ever since I was little, sir! I figured I'd get to the mess early!

Shadis chuckled. Again, something Ari never thought he would see or hear come from him.

Shadis: I see, well then have a seat and eat, looks like you've earned it.

Ari dropped his salute and posture and headed to grab some bread, eggs, and potatoes and got some water. He sat down at the table across from Shadis who had resumed eating. After eating a few bites Ari really wanted to ask the Commandant why he was even here eating, but he was scared too. However, Ari's curiosity won out.

Ari: Ummm, Sir? may I ask....why are you eating here? I mean It feels like you higher ranks would have your own place to eat.

Shadis didn't look at Ari and kept eating, he was almost done.

Shadis: Guess I'm here for the same reason you are, cadet, old habit.

finished with his meal Shadis stands up and clears his tray.

Shadis: I hope you're ready for the ODM aptitude test today, cadet.

Ari: I am, sir!

Shadis headed to the door of the mess hall and on his way out he said one last thing to Ari in a menacing tone.

Shadis: Cadet, It's best you forget about your little interaction, I'm going to. And I would hate to hear you spreading rumors about your trainer being soft in the morning.

Ari swallowed hard, fully getting Shadi's message that he wants his reputation to be harmed in no way.

Ari: Ye-Yes, sir.

Shadis: Good, I won't see you back here again in the morning before everyone else is up.

And with that Ari was left alone to eat his meal as he processed the strange event.

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About 30 minutes later Ari was greeted with an unexpected but very welcome sight, Christa walked in the door. When they both saw each other, smiles came across their faces. Christa was more than happy to see Ari and she perked right up from her tired deminor. With happiness and excitement and just a hint of tiredness in her voice she greeted Ari.