A New Day Brings The Sun

Huxian: For now, I think we’ve gathered enough information to start off with, so we’ll go home tomorrow, alright?

Rodessa: *Downcast eyes* ….Yes Sir…

*She didn’t seem any more lighthearted, unfortunately. There was still an air of exhaustion that seemed to cling to her. Encouragingly, Huxian bid the girl to follow him to bed, however, as she drew close, Rodessa angled towards her cot. However, he drew her back. Had he not been concerned for her he might have rolled his eyes at her denseness*

Huxian: I meant for you to join me, not alone, dear

Rodessa: Huh? W-what a-are y-you saying?

Huxian: [Inner Thought]: There’s the Rodessa I know

Huxian: Mind out the gutter, missy. I just wish to watch over you tonight, nothing more.

Rodessa: *Quiet Voice* OH... I wasn’t thinking any-

Huxian: Sure sure. Hush now~ You need your rest.

*With practiced hands, Huxian ran his fingers through her hair, undoing the far too tight ribbon that held her thick locks in place, even as he weaved a spell in their wake, lulling her towards gentle slumber. Her eyes watery eyes fluttered, her blinking, first to hold back tears threatening to fall, slowing as her eyes grew heavier, each blink taking more time to pry open than the last before finally, slowly shutting as her body relaxed into sleep.

Huxian: *Hum* It’s alright now. You don’t have to worry anymore, Roza.

--------

*A few months had passed since the failed training exercise and the duo having once more returned to Paradias. The crisp snow had begun to thaw, the flowers beginning to bloom and the air light by the sound of newborn chirrups as the world spun into spring. Using what they had learned from the tests, Rodessa’s development in the practical application of her studies certainly seemed to be making much more headway. However, there was something that Huxian had begun to notice of her behaviour. Though it was never permanent, Rodessa would slip into that blank, doll like state. Huxian speculated stress at times, but sometimes he would catch her, an odd look in her distant eyes, as if she were conversing with someone only she could see, but it wasn’t an expression he would normally attribute to Thorn or Puppy. Oddly, however, when coming out of the state, she never seemed disorientated or panicked. Rather, it was as if she became more confident. Not only that, but the mistakes that appeared in her work seemed to become smaller in severity, or less frequent.

On the one hand, he was worried about her mental state, but on the other, she seemed to be slipping into the role as leader much better than before. With such improvements, it was time to once more return to the camp. Huxian could only hope the newfound confidence and improvement would reflect in how she interacted with and ordered the men. Hopefully, this time, the exercise would result in victory. With how well she was doing, he worried if she experienced such a major setback.

For now, all he could do was believe in her and offer her silent support, as much as he could as her ‘commander’.

As such, they bid her parents goodbye and once more entered the door which took them from Paradias. Huxian had directed them to a door which lead much closer to the training grounds, with in a short time they had entered the camp once again. After a brief talk to the men - mostly to announce their presence and the possibility of tests to come - he let Rodessa head off to mingle with the men. Carefully, he watched them as he lit his  cigarette and hummed thoughtfully, releasing a ring of smoke to the air. From what he could tell without being outright obvious or using a spell, she seemed to be making a better impression amongst them than before. Perhaps it was the attitude, the way she held herself?

Smiling, he leaned back against a tree, closing his eyes. This time, he had a feeling he might not need to worry at all*

Huxian [Inner Thought]: Looks like she might not need me to help out at all. Heh…I don’t know if I should feel proud or lonely. *Chuckling* ...She’s really growing up, just like her namesake. The more suffering that she faces, the harder the challenges, the more you evolve...A beautiful, noble flower...

*Opening one eye, he glanced through the thin stream of smoke at Rodessa once more, who was now leading the men through some drills now that she had gone through the process of choosing an assistant - delegation, good, she was learning more subtle things as well. Unlike last time, thanks to her improved attitude, the animosity amongst the men had died down. Though there were still some doubters - especially amongst the most vocal who had experienced her last leadership attempt, but the rest were settling into a grudging, reluctant acquiescence.*

Huxian [Inner Thought]: And now, Rodessa, we’re midway through your training. You have all the tools you need at your disposal. Hm...What will you do with it, I wonder? Will you persevere? Or will you crash and burn? Perhaps it’s time to-

SFX: Snap! Fwoosh!

*Having just removed the cigarette from his lips and blown a last smoke ring, he let his blue flames jump up, consuming it until only ashes remain, scattering to the wind. A smirk crossed his lips, lit only by the slowly fading azure*

Huxian [Inner thought]: *Dark Chuckle* -turn up the heat.

*Shaking the last hint of flame and ash from his fingertips, Huxian paused when a flash of light caught his attention. Glancing over to where one of tables that was used for some more political based meetings or to dine while watching over events from the camp. While previously empty, the table now had a steaming tea set waiting, along with a woman dressed in foreign military clothing - a woman who had become increasingly familiar to him in recent years. Not about to keep her waiting, Huxian approached. Seeing she had his attention, the woman smiled*

Parame: Not bad, if I do say so myself. You’ve sculpted her into something quite-

Huxian: Formidable? Thank you, my lady, but all I did was provide her with the scenario. She did the rest herself.

*Her smile shifted into something darker, closer to a smirk than our of happiness. However, she gestured for Huxian to join her. While the grounds technically belonged to Huxian, he was not arrogant enough to get into a pedantic argument about it with an Elder God. Instead, he inclined his head and took the seat opposite, pouring the now ready tea into cups for the both of them. As he did so, Parame continued to speak.*

Parame: How humble of you. However, we both know that such a flower doesn’t grow unless you...force it to. A little adversity never hurt anyone.

Huxian: True enough. It’s the nature of the world, in fact, that all life evolves into something stronger when faced by the world changing. It forces one to adapt. However...no offence, my lady, but sometimes the pressure that you apply can be a little-

Parame: Heavy handed?

Huxian: *Long Stare* ….

Parame: *Elegantly Sips Tea.* My apologies, but I'm on a time limit with that one, so I’m afraid I simply can't afford to go easy on her.

*His eyes narrowed slightly. ‘Can’t afford to go easy on her’? ‘On a time limit’? There was certainly something there, something she was definitely hiding. However, was she meaning for him to pick up on that, or was it an honest slip? For now, he would remain quiet and consider his options. If it was something she meant for him to catch onto, she would give him further hints when she was ready.

Sipping his own tea, his eyes moved to training grounds. He could spot Rodessa leading several men through the running and obstacle tracks. It seemed that she had made better note of what kind of men she had on her team as well - not everyone were mystic beings, and even some that were didn’t have the advantages others did in the physical or mystical department. As such, she refrained from her natural ‘gifts’, keeping pace with the rest of the team. It was hard not to feel that gleam of pride in her just to see how far she had come since her last trip here. He continued to watch as she eventually gave them a period of rest. During this time she would end up amongst the strategists, or would engrose herself in written texts detailing strategy or tactics.

It was like seeing night and day to observe the girl she was now from the girl that she had been at the start of it all. How she was evolving was quite fascinating to see.

Her voice drifted towards the tent and he flicked his ears to listen as much as he could over the sound of the camp activities*

Rodessa: ….Thus we should attack from the south side with…. Oh, and then defending our base… Yes, you’re right. I see...I'll need to take that into consideration… Mm~ Mmhm…

*Unfortunately, he couldn’t focus on her forever. When his guest spoke again, he pulled his attention back to the tent*

Parame: So, what do you plan on doing from here on out? With the girl’s training, I mean.

*Tea to his lips, a smirk crossed his face as he leaned back in his chair a little*

Huxian: Ah...that’s world be telling, my lady. Why ruin the surprise?

Parame: *Smile* Well then, go hard or home. There are a lot of people watching, waiting to see both yours and her next move.

*With that, the Goddess disappeared in a column of light, leaving a soft breeze of displaced air around the camp in her wake. Smiling fading a little, Huxian pushed his hair from his face before draining the rest of his tea - the goddess had finished hers as well, it seemed - before standing from the table and, after a moment of watching the girl, finally cleared up the tea set and headed back to the tent to begin work. There was much to take care of himself after all, and a little time to contemplate what he had picked up from the conversation with Parame.

It was evening by the time Rodessa had completed her tasks for the day and retreated to the commander’s tent, set on cleaning the area before settling down herself. Stepping inside, she noticed Huxian pouring over what appeared to be some form of notes, his ear flicking in her direction.*

Huxian: Good evening.

Rodessa: *Bow* Good evening, Sir. The troops have completed the todays training, my progress with my strategist and tacticians have got to a stage were I feel that you don't need to hand hold me anymore.

Huxian: Be that as it may, it is my job to be the judge of that, Miss Kariudo.

Rodessa: Yes Sir…. All that’s left is my evening study and your daily evaluation.

Huxian: Hm

Rodessa: Sir?

Huxian:  It’s nothing. I’ve been thinking,...maybe it’s time your daily evaluation will be done by your next tutor.

*For a moment, she appeared stunned, before swallowing*

Rodessa: ...Does that mean you won’t be-?

Huxian: No. I will still be assisting you and creating your tests. However, your new tutor will not only be able to give you a fresh perspective, but will also be able to go more in depth - something I’ve unfortunately got little time to do so adequately with you.

Rodessa: Sir.

*Leaning back in his chair, Huxian reached over to a file that held his evaluation - or at least, what he was able to complete of it for now. He still needed to observe her a little more closely, when she didn’t realise he had his eyes on her. He had a few tricks to do that, however, so he wasn’t too concerned just yet.

As he sorted through the papers, he carefully made a note of her current countenance. She seemed tired, though thankfully not passed exhausted. It seemed that she was managing her time better, having completed most of the day’s studying and had put it aside for now until she had rested and had morning meal - a much better change from her previous attitude. It seemed she learned from her mistake. With that, feeling relieved, he made up his mind

Noticing his attention, Rodessa turned to meet his gaze*

Rodessa: Sir? Did you need me?

Huxian: *Smirk* Ah, you caught me.

Rodessa: *Wide Eyed, faint blush* W-well, it’s hard not to. It felt like your gaze was boring into me.

Huxian: *Low chuckle, sultry tone* It's late Roza. Time for dinner, and then bed.

Rodessa: *Frantic* Y-y-yes Sir! Oh, I’ll get our meals now.

*She was about to dart back out of the tent when Huxian clicked his fingers. A moment later, the girl was in his lap, dressed in much more casual attire. Purring slightly, Huxian kissed the back of her neck softly before cradling her, resting his chin on her shoulder so she could feel the vibrations in his throat against her skin*

Rodessa: *Sporadically* S-sir?! What are you doing!?! This is highly inappropriate, a-a-a-and-!

Huxian: Shhh~ I’m allowed to reward you from time to time.

Rodessa: *Deep Blush* B-but Sir-!

Huxian: *Tutting* No buts. Just let me spoil you…

Rodessa: W-we can’t! We’re-

Huxian: *Sigh* Fine…If you’re going to be like that...it appears that I’ll just have to abuse my power a little bit, aren’t I?

Rodessa: *Shiver* What are you planning...Sir?

Huxian: *Dark Grin* For the next two days, Miss Kariudo, I regret to inform you that you are suspended.

Rodessa: *Shock* HUH!?!?!?

[END]

The Road To Success Is Paved With Blood Pt 2

Voice: So, what do you think?

Huxian: Ah, so you were worried after all?

Voice: Shut up Fox and tell me. How is she coping?

Huxian: Aw, what, a worried Papa, you are?

Engetsu: *Growl*.....

*Dropping jokes for now, Huxian crossed his arms in his sleeves, frowning slightly*

Huxian: ...Rocky, at least for now. There’s a lot of things either missing from her education, I’d say. Either that or she’s struggling to translate what she learned into practice. Still, she’s starting to get the hang of it. My main criticism would be the way she’s pushing herself, even when ordered against it, not giving herself time to recover, and continues to push even beyond that. Exhaustion breeds mistakes and she’s made at least one. Here, see?

*Pulling out a copy of the notes he had retained during Rodessa’s planning sessions, he flipped to the page needed and let Engetsu read over them*

Engetsu: *Sigh* She’s left her base near defenceless.

Huxian: Exactly.

*There was nothing the could do, however, but watch events unfold.

Hours after Rodessa and her battalion had made their way towards the ‘enemy’ camp, the siege took place. While Team B had fought well, the girl’s plan overcame the odds and, proudly, Rodessa raised their flag in victory. However, triumph soon turn to ash in her mouth when a loud buzzing and screaming wail rang out across the grounds. Whipping around in the direction of the sound, Rodessa could only stare, horrified, at the flag of team B waving proudly from her own camp. True, they had cleared the territory, but she had lost the land.

Rodessa [Inner Thoughts]: Damn…

*Dropping from numb fingers, the flag clattered to the ground. Slowly, her shaking hands covered her face as shame washed over her*

Rodessa [Inner Thoughts]: We were so close...Where did I go…

*Around her, the soldiers muttered mutaniously, their complaints slowly growing louder as their frustrations boiled*

Soldier 1: Dammit! All that work for nothing!

Soldier 2: For Fucks sake...I wanted that beer, too...guess we’ll be kissing up to the girl’s to share...

Soldier 3: Forget the beer, I’m out 427 Yuan!

Soldier 1: Whatever, man. Let’s get back to base.

Soldier 2: Oi, you! Don’t forget that flag, or you’ll have to come back to get it.

*Teeth gritted, Rodessa dropped to her knees, grasping as the fabric of the flag, even as horror and disappointment whirling in her head until her ears were ringing, gritting her teeth against the urge to scream*

Rodessa [Inner Thoughts]: All that...All that effort for nothing...I failed them...And I’m expected to rule. No...I see why he doesn’t take me seriously now…

*With leadened footsteps, Rodessa slunk back towards the camp through the thick undergrowth after her men, barely able to even look at them, not even once they had returned to the base and all sat upon the benches, her shoulders slumped and head hung low*

Rodessa [Inner thought]: Tired.. So tired…

*From a little further away, Huxian quietly observed his lover. It wasn’t hard to note the drained defeat that seemed to seep from every pore of her body, something that the militarian woman at his side was also hyper aware of with a somewhat disdainful critical eye*

Woman: Is that her? Not much, is she?

Huxian: Perhaps not right now. However, I was hoping you might be able to change that. After all, no diamond is flawless when first mined, is it?

Woman: Me to change that? You mean waste my time...No, Huxian. You must be joking. I don’t care who’s daughter she is, she’s just not ready for me. There is a reason that toddlers can’t drive. What muppet leaves their base wide open, or barely acknowledges ‘new’ faces among her men? Oh, no no no no - these are more than stupid mistakes, it’s downright incompetence!

Huxian: *Sigh* ...Unfortunately...I can’t protest the truth of that….

Woman: Hmph....When the child learns how to walk on her own, call me then. Before that, however, don’t waste my time, fox!

*With those parting words, the woman left, the girl’s eyes barely lifting from the ground as the elder swept passed. With a sigh, Huxian could only shake his head at Rodessa’s pitiable state*

Huxian: Rest time is over, soldier. You need to be introduced to the rest of the troup.

Rodessa: *Quiet voice*...Yes Sir...

*Silently, Rodessa followed his command, making her way over to the rest of the troup, who appeared to have been those that made up team B and were now mingling with the other soldiers. Whatever goodwill, little as it had been, that she had garnered before the exertion appeared to have swiftly been slaughtered.  Mistrustful and snarky as they had been before, they seemed downright hostile now and with the time the others had had to mingle and exchange stories, there seemed like little chance to even hope for reconciliation with her men now.

In hopes to avoid starting up a full muttany, she hurried through introductions before slipping back to the commander's tent the moment the opportunity arose. Ducking under the flap, the scent of tobacco stung her nose. However, blinking out the reactionary eye watering, she ignored the smell and reached for her notepad, staring down at the contents with empty eyes. However, she forced herself to focus, trying to push through the numbness that gripped her being. With a shaky breath, she looked around, mentally talking herself through the numbness when her eyes landed on a file on the desk, zeroing in on the words emblazoned upon it: ‘Assessment one. 43/100 Failed.’

What little resolve she had mustered crumbled away like wet sand under her fingers.*

SFX: Tear, rip, shred!

*The notepad scattered across the room like a snowstorm as she tore the paper into confetti*

Rodessa: *Mumble frantic speech* Stupid, idiot.. Stupid stupid stupid…. Basic fucking information. You couldn’t even do that right, and you want to change shit? Moron, you can’t even win a stupid game of ta-tag… idiot...you’re in over your head!

*Snatching the piles of paper, the remains of the notepad were flung into the fire, which jumped up to consume the destroyed notes, her eyes glittering feverishly in the firelight*

Rodessa: *Holding back tears* This-this won’t help you, waste of time.

*So engrossed in her fereish diatribe, Rodessa failed to notice that she was no longer alone in the tent. Someone had been watching her and was not particularly pleased by what he was seeing, too close to that look he had seen when she had last focused so inward.

Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: I sometimes forget how young you truly are, sometimes. While your body is almost fully grown, your mind is still like a child’s, or perhaps more like a cub’s. Right now, you’ve taken failure like a physical wound and with everything you’re seeing and hearing, be it reality or perception, it corners you further. If I’m not careful, she’ll either retreat into that Doll state, or she’ll lash out, and both have repercussions that will never be fixed. I need to calm her...but...Dammit. I had warned her I’d be acting as her superior, not her lover, even before we came here. However, even if I were to be the compassionate leader, it wouldn’t be enough. So...perhaps...

*Slowly, so not to startle her and cause one of the outcomes he hoped to avoid, Huxian slipped into the tent and approached her, making sure to make at least some sound so she wouldn’t think it some kind of attack, With a soothing sound in the back of his throat, a noise no human could make but was far more natural from a vulpine throat, he gently reached out, slipping his arm around her before carefully drawing her into his embrace, tucking her head under his chin so she could catch his scent. The touch, the sound, the scent, all seemed to jog her from whatever trace she had been in, her near hysterical mutterings cutting out entirely. Using the silence to his advantage, he gently nuzzled her head, his tone quiet, soothing, not the voice of commander, but the voice of her precious one**

Huxian: My love, you have a horrible habit of plunging into deep pessimistic overthinking. True, you made a mistake. However, one mistake doesn’t mean all is lost. This is why we decided for you to come here, remember? So you can find what you might be missing and catch up, where you have second chances.

Rodessa: I’m s-sorry, I-!

Huxian: Hush~ You don’t need to be sorry, Ro. All I ask is that you make note of your mistakes and learn from them. These tasks are purely so that we know what needs to be focused on. That’s all.

*As he spoke, he gently steered the girl to one of the seats, carefully undoing the uniform jacket and parting it to allow him access to her neck and shoulders. With skillful fingers and a tiny bit of power to reach that much deeper, he massaged the knots from her shoulders. The ministrations and his words seemed to sooth the frantic energy from the girl, thankfully. With one last kiss to the nape of her neck to finish, he straightened her uniform and closed the jacket once more.*

Huxian: For now, I think we’ve gathered enough information to start off with, so we’ll go home tomorrow, alright?

Rodessa: *Downcast eyes* ….Yes Sir…

*She didn’t seem any more lighthearted, unfortunately. There was still an air of exhaustion that seemed to cling to her. Encouragingly, Huxian bid the girl to follow him to bed, however, as she drew close, Rodessa angled towards her cot. However, he drew her back. Had he not been concerned for her he might have rolled his eyes at her denseness*

Huxian: I meant for you to join me, not alone, dear

Rodessa: Huh? W-what a-are y-you saying?

Huxian: [Inner Thought]: There’s the Rodessa I know

Huxian: Mind out the gutter, missy. I just wish to watch over you tonight, nothing more.

Rodessa: *Quiet Voice* OH... I wasn’t thinking any-

Huxian: Sure sure. Hush now~ You need your rest.

*With practiced hands, Huxian ran his fingers through her hair, undoing the far too tight ribbon that held her thick locks in place, even as he weaved a spell in their wake, lulling her towards gentle slumber. Her eyes watery eyes fluttered, her blinking, first to hold back tears threatening to fall, slowing as her eyes grew heavier, each blink taking more time to pry open than the last before finally, slowly shutting as her body relaxed into sleep.

Huxian: *Hum* It’s alright now. You don’t have to worry anymore, Roza.  

[END]

Road To Success Is Paved With Blood

Rodessa: *Smirk* At least keep the glasses on.

Huxian: You...like them?

Rodessa: I do.

*Still a little baffled by the reveal of this new kink, Huxian lowered his hand from his face, leaving the glasses where they were, Rodessa’s hand falling from his wrist once more. Catching it, he kissed the knuckles, before entwining his fingers in hers and pressing the hand back on the mattress. With the other, he cupped the girl’s jaw, tilting her head up so he could claim her lips for a long moment, before he trailed his hand down her neck, following the path of his fingers with kisses and nibbles, enough to make her squirm slightly underneath him.

Breathing heavy, she reached up with her free hand, fingers grasping at his open shirt, knotting into the material as she dragged him closer, gasping slightly as the movement made his ministrations that little bit more aggressive. He snickered, his amusement humming against the skin at the crook of her neck. He didn’t need words to get what she wanted.

Huxian: *Fondly* Impatient brat. Very well. Since it’ll be you playing to my tune for a while in this coming week, it’s only fair that, at least this time, your wish is my command, my lady.

*Rodessa’s hum of approval quickly dissolved into pants and gasps, shuddering with each nip and kiss against the sensitive skin of her neck while his other hand roamed her body, first over her clothing, mapping the contours of her form before finally slipping underneath, teasing over soft skin and toying with every place that he knew would make her whimper with need. He would change his touch occasionally, sometimes the harsh roughness she craved, other times with a feather lightness to make her groan in frustration and push herself against him, or even once grabbing his hand to force it to press against her responsive skin, only to yelp out a pleasured cry when she overestimated her need, or if Huxian happened to respond to her unspoken desire at the same moment. Words and pleads quickly devolved into sounds and choked off syllables that meant nothing other than to amuse or motivate Huxian further into turning his love into a pile of pleasured putty under his hands.

Huxian: *Chuckling* You seem to be even more responsive than usual. Do these glasses really do it for you that much?

Rodessa: you! Ah… it not that….. They just look really good on you… th-that's all it’s not like its a kink or anything… plus western cloths really do suit on you… an… um-

Huxian: Oh? Methinks the lady doth protest too much. *Smirk* Maybe I should be careful when I wear these, otherwise meetings might become a little too awkward if it hits all your kinks.

Rodesa: Hue, I swear to the gods!

Huxian: *Laughing* Alright, alright, whatever you say, my lady. I’ll keep your secrets.

*Before he could get angry at him or more flustered, Huxian made sure to press against just the right spot to choke off the words and reduce her back into moaning, clinging onto him for any hold on sanity. After all, he didn’t mind if she happened to like him in glasses or western clothing. Better not to fluster her too much on that front, especially since the next few days would be the last in a little while before they needed to maintain some air of professionalism, and the evenings might not always be free enough to indulge. He knew that they would certainly have much to cover once they got to the mountain.

And so, the next few days flew by without incident, other than perhaps Engetsu attempting to subtly sulk while also keeping up his act (He was pretty much ignored). Finally, however, the week came to an end, and thus the anticipated day of the trip had finally arrived.*

Rodessa: All right. Well… we’re off, Mama. Say bye to him for me.

Mother: Bye, dear, and fluff ball, you look after my baby for me. Boo hooo...she just came back and now my little bird is leaving the nest yet again.

Huxian: *Soft chuckle* I assure you, she’ll be just fine. I’ll have her back to you by the end of the week, so you won’t have long to wait.

Rodessa: Jeez, you’re so embarrassing sometimes.

Mother: That’s my job, dear.

*The girl’s mother leaned forward, embracing her daughter, before sending them on their way. With one last wave, the two made their way to one of the many doors that lead from Paradias back into the mundane world. It was strange, stepping through, like air sparkling and dancing over skin. It only took a second before the sensation stopped and the two set foot onto soil very familiar to Huxian, who took a deep breath of the air of his homeland. Though it wasn’t his mountain, but the civilization it overlooked. He had only rarely been back since the incident, however, though it made memories come back to him, they weren’t quite as bad as they had once been, especially with Rodessa at his side. Turning back to her, he opened an arm invitingly*

Huxian: Welcome to my home, Rodessa. Do you remember this place at all?

Rodessa: ...No? It’s the first time-

*Shaking his head, Huxian gently guided the girl through the bustling streets, ignoring the looks some of the locals cast them - or more specifically him*

Huxian: *Maturely* Actually, this is’t the first time you’ve been here, though, thinking about it, you were only a pup at the time - mischievous thing you were, sneaking into my luggage and hiding the entire journey - your father near lost his mind in worry. Your mother, of course, soon realised where you had to be, even before I got around to informing her I’d found you curled up amongst my clothing in the bag. I think she was more annoyed at having to keep your father from making a world wide manhunt. *Chuckle*

Oh! Here, we’ve arrived.

*Huxian indicated a small, traditional tailor shop. While it wasn’t the most impressive on the outside, the products they made were always the highest of quality. The location did confuse Rodessa, however*

Rodessa: I thought we were going to the training ground?

Huxian: Oh, we will be. However, remember what I said a few days ago about my providing an outfit for you? A soldier needs a uniform, after all

Rodessa: Oh, I see.

Huxian: This way, my dear.

*They didn’t stay long at the tailors, since Huxian had already sent the measurements ahead of time. As such, all they needed to do was collect the package from the shop owner, which held several sets of uniform, before urging Rodessa to the dressing room to try on the new clothing. After a moment, she sheepishly wandered out of the changing room dressed in the uniform.

Rodessa: So… what do you think?

*Huxian looked the girl over critically. The military appearance was certainly a new look on Rodessa, but to Huxian’s eye, she carried it well, the material good quality and hard wearing, and from her actions, easy to move in. Finally, he nodded*

Huxian: You carry it well. It should serve you quite well during training as well. Thinking of which, unless you have any complaints that might affect functionality, we should relocate to the training grounds. If all is as planned, it should be ready and waiting by the time we get there

*Rodessa shook her head at his offer of complains before grabbing the rest of her uniforms and her other clothing into the offered canvas bag before following Huxian out of the store.

It took nearly half a day to get to the training grounds, passing through the village and up into the mountains. However, they didn’t go to where the core of Huxian’s operations lay, rather instead to a place that had been designed to train their warriors, be it in mundane methods, in using new abilities or even war tactics. There were already some soldiers there, all dressed in the same uniform though not all of them were of the same mystic rase. Despite this, the eyes followed the duo, or more specifically, Rodessa, seemed cold, untrusting perhaps, at least to Rodessa, somewhat hostile. She bowed quickly, attempting to show respect, however the soldiers quickly went back to their business, rather than respond, beyond one rather loud click of a tongue. However, at Huxian’s call to attention, the soldier’s quickly lined up, eyes fixing on their lord*

Huxian: *Commanding tone* My apologies for the delay men. I have an announcement to make. We have a new comrade joining us today. She is the daughter of one of our allies. I am sure that you all recall Lord Kariudo. I expect all you you to treat her well and show her the ropes. Understood?

Soldiers: Sir!

Huxian: For the next few days, we will be performing an exercise. Simple as it will be, it will be testing you on several aspects of your training. The exercise is capture the flag. Your objectives are to defend the main flag of your own base while simultaneously taking the flag of the other team. You will replace it with a copy of your own flag to mark the territory as ‘taken’.

Team A, all of you, will begin from where we are now

*Huxian motioned with a hand, creating a large blue flag that was stabbed into an ornamental stand in the ground*

Meanwhile, Team B is located there.

*Huxian pointed to another place that was further in the distance, the landscape of the base similar to where they stood despite the many obstacles, natural or otherwise in between the two bases. Where he pointed, a red flag was created. Once again, standing in an ornamental stand stabbed into the ground*

Huxian: Team B’s base is a half day’s trek through the forest from here. Your officer, Lady Kariudo, will be planning the route and method of attack.

*Startled, Rodessa’s eyes widened, looking to Huxian in confusion. However, his face was unmoving, stern, as he looked back to her before addressing the soldiers once again

Huxian: You have twenty four hours to prepare. Good luck.

Soldiers: Sir!

*With those words, Huxian began to move back towards the commander's tent, the girl steadily tailing him.*

Rodessa: *Whisper* Wait- Hue.

Huxian: You are to address me as ‘sir’, soldier.

Rodessa: M-my apologies sir… I…. I was under the impression that I would be your shadow… not-

Huxian: Merely playing shadow will not allow me to assess where your skill level falls, your strengths or your failings. In order to become the leader that you need to be, you must put what you have learned into practice, to put theory to the test. A simple game of capture the flag will become the first of your experiences, the first step in your test of leadership. For now, however, why waste time complaining when there is much more you can do to improve your situation. Go met the men under your command, plan your attack, begin your strategies. There is a map over there. I’ve even marked the most direct route for you.

*It would seem there would be no way of changing Huxian- no, her new commander’s mind. She had known, somewhat, from what he had said that he was different as a commander than his usual self, but to see it in person was a little intimidating. Hastily, she grabbed the map and a note pad along with writing utensils and made a speedy exit.

It didn’t take too long to find the soldiers. With them at the ready, she began firstly by reaching out to the soldiers - surely their collective experience would help. However, none of them seemed to be cooperative, untrusting of her inexperience, and the more she hesitated, the more disdainful they appeared

Soldier 1: As the daughter of a great warlord, you’d have thought you’d be able to come up with a plan of attack or two.

Rodessa: *Nervous* This is my first time lead-

Soldier 2: Do you even know anything about war? Dude, I bet she’s some pampered princess. Does she even know anything about what it takes to lead?

Soldier 3: I bet she was given everything whenever.

Rodessa: Enough! You know nothing about me! Your baseless presumptions are unfou-

Soldiers: Are you talking to us? Better watch your mouth, little miss, there’s a lot of bad men who would love to have you.

Rodessa: *Shock* ….

*One of the soldiers threw a small rock, which came close to hitting her. The girl’s eyes grew glassy as she bit her lip*

Rodessa: ….

Soldier 1: Anyway, enough of the whining. Are you going to give a plan of attack? If not then stop wasting our time.

*Silently, the girl gathered her things, dashing of in the direction of the commander's tent, all the while enduring the soldiers heckles and small stones that tugged her new uniform. As she entered the tent, she could see Huxian hard at work at his desk, sorting out paperwork - some form of marked test? It didn’t really matter either way.

Closing her eyes, Rodessa tried to control her breathing, to stop the flow of tears. However, Huxian didn’t look over or comfort her. Even if he wanted to, he probably couldn’t. Showing too much favour to one soldier would likely make the treatment of her worse.

After a moment, however, he finally spoke*

Huxian: Back so soon? One thing you need to remember is to greet your superiors. Not all are as welling to let slide the slip in etiquette, particularly that clan. It’s something we will have to work on.

Rodesa: M-my apologies...Sir… sorry.

*Turning in his seat, he looked the girl over for a moment*

Huxian: I would have thought that you would be working on your plan of action with your team, not being idle here.

Rodessa: Oh...Everything’s fine. We’ve decided to leave it all to me?

Huxian: *Raised brow* ...Leave it all to you?

Rodessa: Oh yes. They have that much faith in me. It’s fine. It’s all fine. Nothing to worry about, so...I’m...going to get to work now. Don’t mind me.

*Huxian’s eyes narrowed somewhat, unconvinced. From the disheveled appearance and hint of hysteria in her disposition, one didn’t need to be a genius to see something was clearly wrong. Yet it seemed she was, for some reason, outright lying to his face.

Huxian: Is there something you wish to tell me?

Rodessa: No sir. Everything’s fine, Sir…

Huxian: There’s clearly something wrong.

Rodessa: *Agitated* I’M FINE! …Sir…. I’m fine. I just need to get this right and everything will fall into place….I’m fine…. Don’t bother yourself with me.

Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: I was afraid of this...

Huxian: You’re not getting on with your men, I presume.

Rodessa: *Twitch* ….Sir, time is wasting. I should be getting on with this.

*With that, the girl set to work, leaving Huxian’s questions unanswered. However, he didn’t press further. This was her battle after all and distracting her would only worsen the situation. By the time she was done, it was almost time for evening meal. She allowed the soldiers to eat while she prepared a small bag of rations, bread and water. Finally, preparations complete, she searched out the men. They seemed somewhat bright as they talked amongst themselves. However, as soon as she was noticed the atmosphere quickly soured into sneers. Before heckles could break through their lips, Rodessa shut down her emotions, straightening and cut through their words*

Rodessa: You all have sixty minutes to eat. Then, I want fifteen of you, preferably those with a good sense direction and good vision - especially night vision - to meet me at the forest entrance. Understood?

Soldiers: *Silence*….

Rodessa: *Quiet growl* I. SAID. UNDERSTOOD!

Soldiers: ….Sir.

Rodessa: Better.

*With that, Rodessa the left the area, leaving the men to their meals. Barely touching her own, the girl wandered over towards the practice area, picking up one of the paint guns and firing. As she emptied her clip, it seemed she was letting out her frustration rather than trying to hit the target.*

Rodessa: *Glassy eyed* ….

Huxian: You’re wasting ammunition.

Rodessa: *Deadpan* My apologies. I’ll leave now.

Huxian: …. Miss Kariudo.

Rodessa: Sir.

Huxian: …. *Sigh* Your men are at the entrance. Don’t keep them waiting.

Rodessa: Sir.

*The girl left without hesitation, meeting men who impatiently waiting*

Soldier 1: Finally

Soldier 2: Brat, kept us waiting long enough.

Soldier 3: Women for ya.

Rodessa: *Demonic Eyes* My apologies. I thought I was the one in charge of you, bitch-made mother fuckers. If I so please, I can keep you waiting as long as I wish. I am your commanding officer. You are the men in my employ, dogs at my beck and call. If I so desired, I would keep you out here all fucking night and you will deal, understood?

Soldiers: …..Sir….

Rodessa: Good. Now we’re all clear on where it is we fall in the pecking order, shall we get to business? Take one and pass it along.

*The girl handed out compasses and a meticulously copped versions of the map that had previously been handed to her but Huxian.*

Rodessa: The plan is simple: scout out the area, get to the other team’s base and report back to me. I will go with team one using the path already drawn. Mark the route you will take and obstacles you face along the way. Be back and report your findings to me by morning. Understood?

Soldiers: …..Sir….

Rodessa: *Cold Smile* Good.

*It was the morning when the other two groups arrived, both reporting their findings. It was decided that the group C’s route - while slightly more dangerous - was the fastest route to the other base.

Rodessa, while taking in the information, prepared the morning meal for the fifteen men as a sign of gratitude. While they ate the rice porridge, she again took the leftover bread and water from the previous night.

Taking the new-found information, she once more disappeared into the Commander's tent, aiming to gain a few hours nap before resuming duty. She had been up for several hours waiting for her men to return after all. Exhausted she dragged her exhausted body to the cott and collapsed on the hard material.*

Huxian: …

Rodessa: Good morning… Sir…

Huxian: Did you sleep at all?

Rodessa: No, but I’m about to rest for a bit. May I ask you to wake me up in a few hours, Sir?

Huxian: I’m afraid it is not my responsibility to wake you, soldier.

Rodessa: Apologies, Sir.

*The girl stretched out a tired hand and snapped her fingers. A small metal alarm clock set itself for two hours before vanishing once more. The girl finally collapsed from exhaustion. For a moment, Huxian looked over the girl’s sleeping form, feeling somewhat guilty for his treatment of her. However, in the lead up to the trip he had warned her what to expect of him. Still, so far, despite the false start, she seemed to be starting to play with the new rules. If she continued to learn from this, he knew it would certainly help her leadership.*

Huxian: Sleep well, Ro...

*A few hours past and the girl still hadn’t awakened. It seemed that Huxian had done something to the alarm so that the girl could rest. It was almost nightfall before the girl arose again.*

Rodessa: Why is it dark? Wait, what happened to my alarm?!

Huxian: Hush. People are trying to sleep. Your dinner is on the table, if you desire it.

Rodessa: SHIT!

Huxian: Language!!!

Rodessa: S-sorry.

*The girl hastily looked at her watch, mortified by how much time had passed, she was about to rush about rush out the tent.*

Huxian: Before you rush out the door, I’ve postponed everything ‘till the morning. Over exerting yourself until you collapse is not good for anyone. Not you, nor your men. Remember that.

Rodessa:...Sir…. sorry.

*Relaxing slightly, the girl took out her notepad, going through her previous notes. There was a war table that marked out the points of the map. Using the table as a guide, she began to play out the her battle plan.

Huxian looked over at Rodessa critically. She was still not fully recovered, but she seemed determined to trek on regardless. Yet again, despite having told her plenty of times even before this, she seemed to be ignoring his words. Huxian decided to give the girl a few pointers, guiding her through her plan.*

Huxian: ...And there.

Rodessa: Yes, that should work. I just need to figure out how to protect home base and we should be done.

Huxian: *Order* Good, but do that in the morning. It’s late now.

Rodessa: Yes sir.

Huxian: Hm

*The girl made her way back to the cot. Out of the corner of his eye, he waited to see if she would take his advice. Thankfully, it seemed that she’d rest until morning, as ordered. At least, he hoped. Still, he could not force anything here. She would learn*

Huxian: Sleep well.

*With that, he blew out the candles before turning in himself.

When the light of morning touched the horizon and the early morning bird song began to colour the air, Huxian woke, however, he was alone. It seemed Rodessa had already started to put her plans into action. Carefully, he glanced over the notes she had left, since they’d agreed on him having a copy. There was slight additions from when he had gone to sleep that night, but…

Frowning, he tucked the notes away. This was her battle. He’d already bent rules enough helping her last night. For now, he left the tent, gazing around the ‘base’. Most of the men were gone from camp and only a few men remained. The girl, it seemed, had had gone with the men to the other team’s camp.*

Voice: So, what do you think?

Huxian: Ah, so you were worried after all?

Voice: Shut up Fox and tell me. How is she coping?

Huxian: Aw, what, a worried Papa, you are?

Engetsu: *Growl*.....

*Dropping jokes for now, Huxian crossed his arms in his sleeves, frowning slightly*

Huxian: ...Rocky, at least for now. There’s a lot of things either missing from her education, I’d say. Either that or she’s struggling to translate what she learned into practice. Still, she’s starting to get the hang of it. My main criticism would be the way she’s pushing herself, even when ordered against it, not giving herself time to recover, and continues to push even beyond that. Exhaustion breeds mistakes and she’s made at least one. Here, see?

*Pulling out a copy of the notes he had retained during Rodessa’s planning sessions, he flipped to the page needed and let Engetsu read over them*

Engetsu: *Sigh* She’s left her base near defenseless.

Huxian: Exactly.

[END]