Stick War: Inamorta and beyond

Chapter 54: Sudden Appearance

16th April, 7.32am  

Ace's POV

"Brother! Brother!" I exclaimed while brother Mordred turned around and smiled.

"What is it Ace?" Brother asked.

"Could you play with me?" I exclaimed.

Brother Mordred thought for a while and smiled. He then placed his hand on my head and ruffled my hair.

"Maybe next time Ace, I have training to do." He answered and left for the entrance of the house.

I followed him till he left. Father was beside me as well.

"No fair! Why does brother has to leave?" I pouted.

Father smiled and carried me in his arms. "That's because big brother is in the military now, he would need to take up missions and go for trainings."

"Why can't he just quit?" I asked.

Father chuckled and placed me down. "How about I play with you instead?"

"No! I wanna play with big brother!" I pouted.

"Alright, he'll be back by evening Ace." Father replied and left.

I woke up. That's strange, I haven't got that dream in a while. I clenched my fists and punched my sleeping bag. Why did I have to dream of that bastard?!

I got up from my sleeping bag and looked around. I'm in my tent and Mark is snoring away like a pig next to me. Oh yeah, a few days ago we fought the Night Guards so Kim got injured. As a result, we had to camp out for a few days for us to recuperate.

I stretched a bit and grabbed my sword. I got out of the tent and saw that Elizabeth is already up, cooking breakfast.

"Oh, good morning Ace." She greeted.

"Yeah, good morning." I replied.

Maybe I'll go to the forest to do a bit of training before breakfast.

"Hey Elizabeth, I'm gonna train a bit. I'll be back before breakfast." I said.

"Alright, just be back on time." She replied while stirring a pot of soup.

I walked aimlessly into the misty forest, admiring the beauty of nature. I walked for about fifteen minutes and reached a small clearing. Perfect for training. I unsheathed my sword and started to practice swinging and slashing. I trained on my speed and strength as well. I punched trees and ran in circles to improve my stamina.

But suddenly, I could feel another presence. Instinct kicked me and I stood in stance. Something or someone is here. Is it an animal? Or perhaps Mark or Kim? Then a voice came from behind me.

"Hey there Ace." A familiar voice said, a voice all too familiar.

I swung my sword as fast as I could and as expected, it is the bastard, my brother, Mordred!

He easily blocked my attack with an ice sword and pushed me back.

"Seems like you haven't changed one bit." He chuckled. "Just as rash as ever, just like a little boy."

"SHUT UP!" I screamed in anger and swung my sword.

That bastard easily dashed my attack and smirked.

"Your form is sloppy, your swings and attacks are too predictable. How have you been training?" He asked.

It was at that point that rage took over me, I could feel my blood boiling like lava. My grit my teeth so hard that I started to taste blood.