Among The Wolves

Beyond the Fence

Just 39 more days... Grandmaum I can live 39 more days... right? She knows I am coming back, they all know I am coming back. They wouldn't do anything to her because they know I am coming back. In just 39 more days I can get everything in control. When I get back I will have to get the death certificate to and finish applying myself with the government. There is no way they can deny me now that I'm going through their stupid course. I sighed, pressing myself against the locker, Just 39 more days.

"Vae, get your suit on!" I pushed myself away from the locker and stared at my commander. His enraged face told me the torture I would suffer for so long. With a click of my left heel and a lowering of my head I acknowledged his command. The bulky, poo colored outfit that covered him from head to toe also laid in my hands. The only thing I was thinking at the moment was - I am going to melt in this. Why do we have to wear wool in 89 degrees?!

Seriously, my heart was sobbing to go home.

In my winter military outfit I followed the group out into the sunny outdoors. Most of the group was younger than me. A rough 5 year gap which made me feel stupid. It was the government's fault. This prepping course was just an advertisement. A stinking, inconvenient advertisement.

I marched hidden behind the group. I was good at that. Not at push ups, tree climbing, werewolf defence training, geography, jogging, or the like.

"Vae! Where is your gun?" The military devil wrapped my name in poison when he said it.

My hands snapped to my side as if a magnet pulled them in. I felt around and gasped. I forgot it!

Commander Tevit strode to me and I mentally whimpered. I could just feel my body shrinking as he came closer. Any smaller, I fear I'll be like Alice in Wonderland. Not good.

You know what? I'm not even good at hiding behind groups of people. Commander Tevit grabbed my arm and started to drag me back to the barracks. "The day that we are inspecting the Wos'Theon border you forget your gun?" The Commander swore under his breath.

"I'm so sorry Commander Tibit- TEVIT!" I yelled the correction hoping that he did not hear the unintended word. "I am so sorry! I didn't realize that we had- we needed a bar- a gun!"

"HOW ARE YOU SO FOOLISH?!" That face was so red, it was about to blow just like Mt. Helen did.

He pulled me into the barracks and there was my gun. Resting against the frame of the locker, all alone. I cringed while wringing my hands together. Sorry little fella.

Commander Tevit grabbed the gun and shoved it into my chest. Ow. "Now listen closely. You better be doing better or I'll say that you need a repeat."

I shook my head so hard. "I can't! I can't! My Granmaum-"

Commander Tevit tossed a smirk that hurt more than the gun did. He turned and left the barracks.

The gun rested in my defeated hands. This is not over... it never is... I'll have to do better, I will NOT go down. I will return as I promised! I gripped the gun and pressed it tighter to my chest. I marched out of the barracks with my head high. I will do better!

As soon as the sun hit me, my momentary seed of inspiration shriveled up and died. The group cast glances at me as I tried to hide behind the Commander in embarrassment. When the Commander began to lead once more I trailed to the back of the group where I felt most comfortable.
As we marched on I recited what I had learned the past two and a half months. There was no way I was failing this skills building just because I had a wimpy personality.