Levitate || Joshler

t h i r t e e n ☄️

The next morning was to be Tyler's first day of being a true Bandito, with no fears and no doubts. He rose from his bed, stretched his arms, and spread open his legs.

Josh had arose early and went to his duties as the leader. He was to send Ari to get Tyler when the hour was to come.

As he stepped out from his tent, he took a moment to breathe in the new breath of the day. As he did, he turned his head and noticed some Banditos planting some things over at a nearby field.

He walked over to see what it was. When he did, he saw two Banditos, along with Olene and Jenna.

"What are you guys planting?" Tyler asked.

A young Bandito girl named Lilya, stood from her crop.

"We are planting daisies, my flower lord."

Tyler was taken a back. He had never been called "flower lord", which told him that because he was in a relationship with the leader, he is considered royalty.

He told himself to go along with it, so he smiled.

"That's lovely."

"Maks, a young boy who stood next to the young girl, also stood.

"We are doing this to honor you."

Before the child could respond with the goodness and joy that he left, Lilya rushed over and gave him a hug.

Jenna and Olene watched; trying not to weep with happiness.

Tyler wrapped his arms around the little girl.

"Thank you, Lilya."

Maks also joined in, which made Tyler very happy.

~

While Josh was getting out of the meeting, he looked over and saw his beloved flower surrounded by love in the fields.

Kai and Ari were next to him, and they were confused on what the little children were doing.

"What are they doing to him, my lord?" Kai asked.

"They're giving him love." Ari said. "Tyler is filled with innocence and kindness."

He turned to his leader.

"He is one of us."

Josh nodded, and happily watched the beautiful scene. Then, he gestured Ari to gather Tyler for the scouting trip.

When Ari approached the fields, Lilya and Maks backed away. Tyler looked to Josh's most trusted commander, and Jenna and Olene silently curtsied to him.

Olene was seen as loyal and submissive to her lord and soon to be husband, and she loved him deeply, as did Ari to her.

"Tyler, Josh has asked me to gather you." Ari said.

"Is it time for the trip?" The child asked.

"Yes, my dear. Come with me."

Jenna and Olene gathered the two little children, and Tyler followed Ari back to the camp.

When he arrived, he was met with the faces of Josh, Kai, Linh, and three scouting men who were to go with them. Of course, Linh was not permitted to be on the trip with the group, but she was there with her mate.

Tyler, as obedient as he was to be, looked to Josh and curtsied before him.

"My lord."

"Tyler, I'm excited to have you join us today." Josh replied. "Your skill will be useful to us."

The child nodded. Kai held Linh's hand, and Ari smiled on to the sweet flower.

This was the moment they all began to see that he was truly one of them, a Bandito flower, full of life.

A few minutes later, they began to pack for the trip. Whilst they did, Kai went and dropped off Linh at their tent.

"You come back safe to me, you swear?" Linh asked; walking with her mate.

"Of course I will, Linh." Kai replied. "Have I always promised that?"

The two arrived at the tent, where they faced each other.

"You do what you can to serve Josh, and I hope that someday, things will be different." Linh told him. "I do hope that you and I can get closer."

Kai lightly caressed Linh's cheek.

"Have I always cared about you?"

The girl nodded.

Kai grinned to her.

"And, I always will, no matter what happens."

Kai took Linh's hand and gently kissed it, then he grabbed his bag and walked away. Linh watched and smiled from afar.

She had always had a genuine relationship with Kai ever since they first met, and she continued to pray that they would be together someday.

~

After everything was ready, Josh, Tyler, Kai, Ari, and the three scouting men, made their way down the mountains of Trench, into the forests below.

As they walked, Josh led the way, as he always did on these trips. Tyler stayed behind with Kai and Ari.

When they approached the middle of the woods, Josh turned to his men.

"We must find any trace of Dema within these woods." He said. "It'll give us an idea on when they may attack."

"How do you suppose they'll make their move?" Ari asked. "We haven't heard from them for months."

"Indeed, Ari." Josh replied. "But, this search will tell us when they plan to strike."

"Dema is very unpredictable." Tyler said; stepping in next to Josh. "They secretly attack when no one notices. That is why we must keep our eyes peeled."

Josh smiled to his love. He was happy to see him speak up, like a true Bandito.

Kai looked to his leader.

"What must we do, my lord?"

"We'll split up." Josh said. "We search for any clues, then we'll meet back here."

"My lord, if it please you, could Kai and me take Tyler?" Ari asked. "We could use his help."

Josh eyed Ari with a look of worry.

"Tyler must stay with me. I can't go anywhere without him."

"He trusts me, my lord. Probably not Kai, but he can rely on me."

Josh thought for a moment, until he realize that Ari is one of the only men that Tyler could trust, so he agreed.

"Very well. Kai, you are my second in command, and Ari, you are my loyal commander."

Josh looked to his little flower.

"You stay with them, and be safe."

Tyler nodded.

"I will, my love."

The two shared a quick kiss, then the groups split and left into the depths of the Trench woods.