Monster Project

23.Salamander

He looked up to her, in every sense of the word, both figuratively and metaphorically.
Figuratively, he wasn't tall at all. He was as tall as the other females, classified as the runt of the litter.
Metaphorically, she was a god in his eyes. But even then it wasn't far from the truth.
He stood there with children half his age, watching as she practiced fiercely with a mere guard.
He watched as the guard was finished brutally, landing on his back with sweat pouring down his orange skin. His eye was swollen and closed, mouth and nose alike dribbling black blood.
"Weak imbecile..." She turned to the new cadets, all stiff and anxious.
"Remember, never leave your sides open to attack as he did the-"
She caught sight of him.
"You, there."
She scrutinized him sharply, stepping forth as every young trainee turned sight to the army captain taking interest in this faceless soldier.
"How old are you?"
"22 years, miss Bellatrix."
"General Bellatrix." She practically spit the words out at him, and her tone didn't reassure him either.
"What's your name, trainee?"
"I'm Amadi, general."
"Amadi, you say?" General Bellatrix unsheathed her sword, the shining metal gleaming in the bright sun, giving her the appearance of an almighty god prepared for battle.
Gently, she used the point to lift his chin up, intensely observing his neck.
"Tell me this; aren't you the runt of this tribe?"
Amadi was frightened to say the least, eyes widen and neck tense. His breathing was controlled and shallow, lest he prick himself and bleed.
"I-"
"Answer!" General Bellatrix's voice roared, Amadi'a neck dribbling with defected red blood as she pressed the sword closer.
"Nevermind, your true colour shows..." She stepped closer, weapon pressed dangerously close to where if she even moved a finger, defected blood and body would stain the ground.
"However, fail to answer me next time, may the gods help you for you'll be buried in an unmarked grave, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, General Bellatrix."
The sword fell from his neck, Amadi releasing a breath he didn't know he held.
Every young soldier's pair of eyes bore into him, he felt shameful. Disgraced. Disgusting.

The mess hall filled with lively chatter, most conversations held gossip from today's earlier scene.
Amadi sat the farthest away from everyone possible, however it proved to be nearly impossible for no table sat empty. He tried to compromise by sitting at end and it really did work.
Somewhat.
The room went silent with her arrival.
Black boots echoed in the silent mess hall as she scanned the mute crowd.
"Have any of you seen Amadi, trainees?"
Everyone turned to look at him, Bellatrix's gaze slowly following.
She walked over, left hand gripping the hilt of her treasured sword.
She stood tall over him while standing, but while sitting, she towered.
"Come with me, Amadi, I wish to speak with you."
He rose, obediently following her with his sight focused on the ground.
They reached her study. "In, soldier."
Bellatrix held the door open for him as he shakingly entered. After entering herself she closed the door behind them.
"You understand you're the runt, correct?"
"Yes." Why was this the subject of choice?
"Why you're with the children?"
"Yes, General."
"You're weak, a complete disgrace to this tribe and if you were to fight in battle at this moment, you'd most likely perish."
It pained him to swallow, it pained him to face reality.
"I've... I've come to that realization, General."
"I'm glad you understand your position, and I've decided to take it upon myself to make you my apprentice."
He was in complete disbelief, but she continued regardless.
"You'd be granted private quarters, however you would have to work twice as hard, and have extra training along with your regular regimen. Am I clear?"
Amadi nodded. "Yes, General."
"Bellatrix will do just fine. Now leave, before they become suspicious."
"Thank you, Bellatrix." He left right afterwards, glad to be mentored by his idol.

A/N: Butts, butts, and more butts I had no idea where this was going and I still don't. It's probably garbage, and oops. Anyways, enjoy if you can! :D