The Children of Northcrest

Commander Ryder:

~Training~

          If I didn't leave when my device broke, I would be dead. When I turned 18, I joined the Militia disguised as a male, Liam Carter. But after being here for a while, I noticed that things were changing with my body. A couple weeks ago, I woke up and there was blood staining my bed and I freaked out. I had been going to this nurse I've known since I was young and told her about the issue. She is the only one, besides myself that knows my secret. She said that all these problems were nothing to worry about and that I was just a 'late bloomer'. I didn't really understand what she meant by that until she told me. Aside from all of that, I had met this young man named Sebastian Creed at training one evening. We've been bunk mates since we both got in. He doesn't know that I'm female, but I'd like to keep it that way.

          I wake up twenty minutes earlier than the other guys so I can get ready in private, and so I can avoid Commander Ryder. She's suspicious of me, and on top of that I don't think she likes me very much either. "Alright soldiers, get your asses up!" I was sitting on the edge of my bed sketching. Some of the other guys say it's too feminine of me to be drawing, but I refuse to listen to them. I lift my head up, and stare Commander Ryder straight in the eyes. She scoffs, "Hurry up, you'll all be late!" I stand up and start walking to the training room where we meet every morning. I sit on the bench drawing, waiting for the others to barge in. The first person who enters is Sebastian. He usually comes in early, so it was no surprise.

          I put my sketchbook away and smile at him, "Hey Bash." He waves a hand and sits next to me waiting as well. We sit in silence waiting for our fellow comrades to barge in, when instead we see Commander Ryder furiously charging into the room, "Lieutenant Carter why did you give me that look this morning? You want to dig yourself into a deeper hole than you're already in?" She stares at me with her cold icy blue eyes. She's a tall slender woman, with striking fiery hair that's cut short. I make eye contact with her and shake my head. "No ma'am." "Then keep your judgment in a different place," She scoffs. I nod my head, "Yes ma'am." She charges out of the room, and when she leaves I cough, "'Keep your judgment in a different place' my ass."

          Bash laughs, "Yeah, no kidding. I honestly think she hates you." I nod, "You think?" Just as I finish my sentence, the men come charging through the door. I sigh and stand up, "Why do they have to be so fucking loud in the morning?" Sebastian stands up, "I'm not sure, but they're really annoying." I nod my head, "Yeah, no shit." I stretch and get prepared for training to start. I'm pretty average height with a mostly slender body, and short brown hair. I get called a pretty boy often, but I don't care. As long as they think I'm a boy, I'll be safe.

          The first day of training begins and it's pretty much like any other. We run around a few times, throw some punches at each other, kick a bit... It goes by fairly quickly. After about an hour or two, we stop. The instructor looks at us all, "Alright boys, let's go over one more time what happened yesterday." He points to me and Sebastian. "These are your opponents today. You both did well, but there is still room for improvement on either of you." She motions towards us.

          "These two were instrumental in the capture of the other ones. You'll be working with them directly." That got my attention, "What do you mean?" One of them asks. The leader rushes on, "I mean, they'll be pairing you off with one of them. Don't make it obvious, but try to learn from them, their fighting style and work on counteracting it. Try not to attack each other. Understood?" We both nod, "Got it." She looks at her watch, "Alright, it's almost noon. You have your lunch here, and then we begin training from one. Questions?" She pauses, but only for a second. "Then you're off." She says walking back into the building.

          Sebastian and I look at each other, "What do you think they have in store for us?" I ask. Sebastian shrugs, "I have no idea. They trained us pretty well though, so I have confidence that whatever it is, we'll be able to handle it. Let's eat lunch before it gets cold." This afternoon's meal didn't seem very appetizing. We finish up our lunches and then go find a table to sit at to talk. "So, you're saying we each get paired up with one of them?" I say looking at Sebastian. "Seems that way."