The sun was out, scorching the earth with its rays. The air shimmered, armors gleamed as light bounced off metal. I stood next to my captain, Asriel Ogre, Leader of the mighty Drake unit as he read out the announcements and duties for the day.
"Faction A, you will patrol the city walls. Keep your eyes sharp and your blades sharper."
"Faction B, patrol the inner city. Let your eyes search the darkness and handle any disturbances."
He paused for a moment, observing the list in his hands. His brows furrowed and a discontent look ate his face.
"Faction C,"
That was my faction.
"You have been personally requested by the Royal family. Do well to serve as a Drake."
He glanced at me for a second with the side of his eyes as he said this and then back to the soldiers standing before him.
"Remember." He yelled out.
A unanimous chant erupted.
"We are Drakes. Our fire will purify Exodia."
With that, the unit dismissed.
I turned, ready to walk away to my squad when I felt a sudden pull. I spun to see Asriel scowling at me. He tilted his head, gesturing me to follow him. Then without saying a word, he walked towards his office. Quickly i followed closely behind.
I had never seen the captain look that way before. Something was definitely wrong. I had a good guess what it was but I needed to be sure.
He pushed the door open, heading straight for his chair. I entered, my eyes immediately scanning the room. The large circular table with the map of all of Khudijar etched into it. Pieces placed in strategic places indicating the arrival of a battle. To the side of it, rested the captains blade. Eros they called it. A blade that could cut anything.
Asriel's sudden sigh pulled my attention back to him.
"Sit Darius." He ordered.
I obeyed instantly.
For a moment, he was silent. A hidden air of frustration lingering above him. Then he broke the silence.
"I'm sorry about this." He said with a sad expression across his face.
"About what?"
My brows furrowed. This couldn't be good.
He paused again, this time his silence carried more weight. Suddenly he slammed the table hard, sending the pieces flying into the air.
"Curse you Garland." He muttered just enough for me to hear.
The name caused my heart to sink. This definitely wasn't good news. Garland was our general. He was known as a rather corrupt man who took decisions that favored his ambitions only. Yet no matter what we couldn't disobey his orders.
If his name was brought up it sure as hell wasn't going to favor me.
I let out a sigh, resigning to the worse.
"Give it to me straight."
At this point I knew whatever I thought was the reason for my summoning, was wrong. He stared at me, tension heavy in the room.
"As of today Darius Vale, you are relieved of your duties as vice captain of the Drakes."
The news hit hard. My heart pounded heavy against my rib cage. My teeth grit in rage as I listened.
"Your new assignment is captain of the lowest ranked squad in Exodia. You are to lead the Raven unit."
I scoffed. "You're kidding me right?"
He stayed quiet.
"I have given my life for this unit. Ruined relationships with my family and friends to become a Drake. I broke off my marriage to join your campaign and l am being tossed off like nothing?" I snapped.
My fingers folded tightly until my knuckles whitened. My gaze slowly shifted towards Eros. Asriel seemed to notice this as he shifted his weight towards his blade.
"Don't do anything stupid Darius. Just obey your new assignment and I'll work to reinstate you back in this unit."
I glanced at him, distant and cold. He was lying. Nobody can reinstate me back in this unit except Garland. Not even the king had the power to do so. I grit my teeth, my jaw locked tightly. I had no choice.
"Who will take my position?" I asked now resigning to my fate.
"Don't worry about that Darius."
He tried to deflect the question. But I had a good idea of who would. There was only one reason why I'd be removed and that was to boost someone of Garlands. I remembered he had a son in our unit who had just climbed up to commander rank.
"It's Bardock."
Asriel froze, his gaze locked on me. His lips parted for a moment like he had something to say. But he remained silent.
I hissed, forcing myself up. "Doesn't matter anymore."
I reached to my side, ripping the Flame blade off my belt. It was a ceremonial blade given to members of the unit. It clanged loudly as it hit the table.
"I Darius Vale accept the new role given to me."
A sigh escaped my lips.
"Tell Garland to go f**k himself."
With that said, I walked out the room and headed straight for the streets. My head bowed and my blood boiled. My thoughts drowned out the sound of children playing and merchants yelling.
'That bastard demoted me just for his own gain. I hate that. But why in heavens name am I being sent to the bloody Raven Unit? Thats where careers go to die. It's a punishment to insubordinate soldiers. And I get it for what? Occupying a role he wishes to give his son?'
I mouthed my thoughts out as I walked through the streets.
"Screw you Garland." I cursed out.
Suddenly I slammed into something. Heavy and sturdy. My vision instantly became blurry, the world slowly darkened but in that little spot of vision I saw a young girl standing over me. Her face riddled with concern. Then the darkness swallowed me.