The King's Gamma (#Wattys2024)

Ninety Six

I was shown back to my quarters on Vice Admiral Rorin's ship, and given a proper uniform to dress into. I found myself struggling with the belt when the Fleet and Vice Admiral entered the small room again.

"We came to see what was taking you so long. Don't you know how to tie your belt, kid?" The Vice Admiral said as he approached, grabbing the belt and tying it for me quickly before looking me over, trying to see if anything else needed adjusting.

Fleet Admiral Deimios was stoic as ever, but frowned at the Vice Admiral as he watched him adjust my clothes.

"Thank you, Vice Admiral Rorin," I said respectfully.

"You can call me big brother." he said with a wide smile, completely unaware of the glower directed at the back of his head now.

I kept my sight only just barely on him, watching the Fleet Admiral behind him as I responded. "Okay, Brother Rorin!" I smiled again, seeing the slight tick in the Fleet Admiral's temple and the barely there frown.

It was becoming obvious that less than 24 hours in my presence, and the Fleet Admiral was already feeling the affect of the bond. 

"Would it be forward of me to call you brother too, Fleet Admiral Deimios?"

His frown was gone as he smiled at me slightly, almost triumphantly as he seemed to look pointedly at brother Rorin. "I don't even have to tell you, do I?" He turned his eyes back to me. "Come on, call me Brother Deimios. I want to hear it."

"Brother Deimios," I said, watching as his expression softened.

"Good." he placed his hand on my head again, smiling as he moved his hand to my back and pushed me out the room and leaving Rorin to stand there, gaping. "Hal, this is CIS. He is here to join us to meet the King."

I shook CIS's hand, "Nice to meet you."

"You're rather cute for a boy. I might just take you for myself."

I smiled back, noticing his sharp gaze watching me as he shook my hand. Deimios, on the other hand, appeared to be fuming.

"Is anything the matter, Fleet Admiral Deimios? Or may I call you brother as well, brother?"

"Let go of Hal, CIS. He will never join your force."

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Because he... Your jokes are not funny, CIS."

"I am not joking. I have been wondering if this cute boy might have more than brute strength to him."

We eyed each other for a long moment, and I kept my face as friendly as I could.

"CIS has an ability to perceive and deduce information at a much faster speed than others. He can also see through objects, which is useful for when we're in the midst of a battle. He's watching you to see what he can learn."

"I find it more difficult to deduce much from you, cute boy. But it likely has to do with the fact that you're a berserker and heal much too quickly. Your face shows no aging, your hands show no callouses, your body does not show any specific damage or weakness. You walk deliberately, your stance is loose but steady. I'd almost think you were a noble if not for the way you run like a rabid dog and smile like a pet receiving affection. But your eyes are the only constant. You're alert, your eyes move around at speeds others would not be able to catch, as if you're watching your surroundings and planning routes and confirming a layout."

I chuckled slightly, genuinely amused at his insight. "I had to go out to hunt often. I think it's a habit, sir."

He frowned slightly. "Huh, you're not lying." he shrugged, putting his hand to my head as well. "At the very least, one thing I have confirmed is that this kid means no harm to us. If anything, I suspect his partner is in the base and that's why he's so willing to show off. For berserkers, impressing their partners is everything and they would protect their partner with their life."