Commanders Course [Girls' Frontline Fanfiction]

Chapter 1: Welcome to S00

     The roar of the engine filled the air as the Pontiac cruised down a coastal highway. The black car was just a speck from a distance on the empty road.

     Aiden never knew he needed this. A drive to clear his head of the events that lead to this moment. The day he would be enlisted into the Commanders Course.

     He kept looking back to the open seat next to him, picturing Taurus with her innocent smile. Thanks to her, he's one step closer to being a commander.

     Aiden decided to park at a scenic overlook. A perfect spot to watch the waves crash against the cliffside. He got out and leaned against the Pontaic, listening to the calming movement of the waters. He shut his eyes and breathed.

     It was almost zen. Worries, uncertainties, they all faded away with each pull of the waves. Every turmoil, created by the struggle of keeping Taurus in good hands, had been washed away. A fresh start.

     His phone rang and it made him flinch. The electronic jingle was a sharp contrast to the natural ambience around him. He fumbled it out of his jeans and answered without looking. It was his baby sister, Elizabeth.

     "Heeey, what do you want to eat for brunch?" She asked. It was promised she would cook today. A farewell gift for her big brother. They had never discussed the details because he had adamantly refused the idea. She's a good cook, but he didn't want to trouble her. Turns out Elizabeth was just as stubborn and ignored him.

     "Chicken." He finally gave up. "The one you and mom used to make." He has the ingredients in the fridge. There was no need for her to buy them. It was an easy, nostalgic meal. He could already smell the aroma wafting in the air.

     "Oh, I remember! Okay! Make sure to come back soon!" She ends the call in a hurry. He knew she was excited. He was too. Aiden stayed for a while longer before driving back home.

♦     ♦     ♦

     Cheerful chatter and overlapping voices filled the kitchen. Grizzly, Elizabeth and Aiden were relaxing after their brunch. Grizzly loves to talk about Elizabeth's mishaps at work, but she has just as many.

     "Nerine was furious! You could see the veins run across her forehead!" Grizzly laughed aloud all because Elizabeth added an extra zero on the request form. "Still, Nerine was kind enough to hand out the excess puddings to everyone."

     Elizabeth shook her head, wanting to forget about it. "I don't think Nerine could financially recover from that."

     "How many did she request again?" Aiden asked with an uncontrollable smile. "A hundred?"

     "Half a thousand!" Grizzly's voice was loud and she nearly fell off her chair from laughter.

     "It's not as bad as setting fire to the armoury!" Elizabeth countered, pointing her fork at Grizzly. "Nerine pulled you out of action to join the construction dolls in cleaning the mess!"

     Grizzly covered her reddening face with her hands. "Ugh! That was bad."

     Aiden laughed at the shenanigans that had transpired. "I'll be sure to double-check my request forms and put flammables away when I'm commander." Right as the words left his lips, a wave of uncertainty rolled over him. The girls knew he was hesitant about the course. A place of the unknown for him.

     "You'll be a great commander. I just know it." Elizabeth placed a reassuring hand on his and gripped it tight. It was enough to make his dark thoughts disappear.

     "Isn't it time?" Grizzly looked at the clock. "Shall we get going?"

     "Yeah." Aiden reluctantly stood up and set the chairs back in their place. He took one last look at the empty kitchen and took a breath real slow. "I'm going to miss this."