Acronius

Chapter 6: Jasmine

"Now what's going Bryce?"

"Wait we're already back? I thought it would be a few more chapters before..."

Pop!!!

"Ow! Why'd ya hit me?! That wasn't very nice."

"Stop breaking the fourth wall, save that for your next chapter! This is my chapter, and you will behave in it, got it?!"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good, now what did you need to ask me?"

"Well, Cedrik wants us to set up a team to guard Eudon. He said we should do it together."

"Well how about this, go get your ten strongest soldiers, and I'll get my ten strongest officers. Meet me at Eudon's cell in an hour, or else!"

"Nah, I think I'll show up fifteen minutes late, you're even cuter when your mad, hehe."

"You like sleeping in our bed right?!"

"Well of course I do."

"Show up late, and once I finish beating you, you get to sleep on the floor. Got it?!"

He's already gone. I think that hit home with him. It's funny to scare him like that, I probably won't be on time to our meet up myself. But hey, he'll get over it, he still loves me. Hehe. It's funny how Bryce grew up. When we were little he was lazy and chubby, but cocky. As we grew up, his cockiness became confidence, and he started working harder than anyone of us. He's pretty tall, and he's is solid muscle now. His skin complexion is a deep brown, and his eyes are an inviting hazel. And he's always known how to make me laugh. But I guess that's enough about him, I've got a job to do right now. As the head of the Mentis Legatus, almost everything we do goes through me. I love my job really, we police and protect the citizens of Acronious with everything we've got, and it brings me great joy to do so. Me and my brother Jarin were the only two up for the position, but then he took a role as co-commander of the Gratus Militubus, which suits his powers more really. I still remember the day I was made the commander of the Mentis Legatus.

—

"What really?! Are you sure Jarin?"

"Of course sis, you deserve it, and the role fits you more. Your the light one. You're outgoing, friendly most of the time, and your power is light magic. It only make sense that you shine your light on the citizens and protect them. As a dark magic user, I'll protect them from the shadows with the Gratus Militubus."

"So you're handing over a commander position?!"

"Ugh, just say thanks. Plus Uncle Ivy already set up your promotion ceremony. Your crush Bryce is already spreading the word."

"Sounds like him, and don't try to call me out on liking someone!"

"Yeah, yeah, well I'm going to train. I'll see you later."

And like that his body turns into a shadow and he's gone. Me and my brother have always been opposites. Where I'm light skin he's dark. I'm loud and talkative, but he's quiet and calm. He's just as funny as I am, except he's a mischievous jokester, where as I'm in your face. He has deep, dark purple eyes, that seem to glow a little. Other than that he's average guy, not to tall or short, and he's got a lean build. So I guess he has a point. The Gratus Militubus are shadowy warriors, who protect Acronious from the shadows. So yeah, not my style. As I go out for a walk, the first thing I see is Quinn and Bryce ambushing the Oculus twins Alvin and Kalvin. Those two idiots are always doing something, I just hope Emperor Eli doesn't get notified. He'll yell at all of us for their antics. The four go to clash when suddenly two figures materialize in the middle of them. One fends off of the Oculus twins, and the other backs up Quinn and Bryce. Eudon and Cedrik never cease to amaze me. Eudon has always naturally been the strongest of us all, but more than any of us, Cedrik had pushed himself to rival his brothers skill. I'd go over myself, but instead I decide to go sit on a bench a little ways away. It seems that the boys have dispersed anyway. As I sit, I wonder if I'm really ready to lead the Mentis Legatus. I'm not one to doubt myself, but I guess the weight of it all is just now hitting me. It look up to see Kalvin staring down at me.

"Hey, congratulations Jasmine, I heard your going to be the head of the Legatus."

"T-thanks, I guess. It's really no big deal."

"You sound worried, your not intimidated by the position are you? Normally your bossy anyway, this should be a piece of cake for you!"

"I hope."

"Look, just calm down, you overthinking it. You've been basically running the Legatus for a few years now. Now you'll just get recognized for the good job you do. Hold your head up, we're proud of you. And your crush, Bryce is so happy for you that he almost cried, and he almost never cries. But anyways I have to go, but if you need something, its eleven of us so you should be able to talk to at least one of us."

As he walks away, I feel a little better. The eleven of us are what we are today because of each other. One less member and we wouldn't be as great as we are individually or as a whole. I go back home feeling more than prepared for my new position.

—

"I now name you Lady Jasmine, the new head of the Mentis Legatus!"

My uncle has retired, and he has formally left the Legatus to me. I'm overflowing with joy, and I feel a tear slipping down my cheek.

"Now I will ask that the current leader of the Fortis Militium come up to personally meet Lady Jasmine. The Militum and the Legatus work hand in hand, and because of that, the leaders of both groups are to formally greet each, declaring their eternal cooperation. Lord Bryce if you would, please come."

"No problem Lord Ivy."

Within seconds I'm face to face with Bryce. I hope nobody notices my blush.

"Just kiss already!"

"Shut up Qui..."

Just as I start to yell at Quinn for rudley blurting that out, Bryce kisses me, and the room seems to empty out, and the only person here is Bryce.

"Congratulations Jasmine, you officially have my undying support and cooperation as the leader of the Fortis Militum. On a less formal note, your a really good kisser, and I'd love to take you out to celebrate your promotion tonight."

"I'd love to go with you. Plus, it would help strengthen our cooperation."

"I think so too."

This is one of the rare moments where Bryce is actually serious. It makes the moment that much more surreal. I spend the rest of my day and night with Bryce, and we watch the sunset while I cuddle in his arms.

—

Me and ten of my best officers show up about fifteen or twenty minutes late. I can see it in Bryce's face that I'll hear about this later.

"What gives? Me and my men got here early, and you come this late?!"

"Umm, I love you?!"

"You better be glad you cute Jasmine, but don't think I'm going to let you off that easy!"

I try to laugh it off, but I know he is going to give me a good talking to later. Ugh, I should have came down here sooner. I can feel the tension as we go to organize our men around Eudon's cell.