Brutal Journey Of An Unfortunate Female Heroine 34 The Time At Camp

Many things had happened to Lydis during that time as well. Valeri had ordered a prosthetic limb for Lydis and she took half a year to master it. Until it seemed like it had always been her hand. After a year at the camp the scouting squad was called to relocate into the mountains. Saying farewell to the Land of Gestva they traveled through the nearby mountain pa.s.s and set up camp there for a year.

There Lydis further practiced under Valeri's strict regime while learning to read and write. Valfafer didn't grow at all but he had some combat ability despite his small size. They tested out his strength against a boulder and one casual swipe caused chunks to be torn from it easily. A year quickly pa.s.sed in the mountains. With a lot of snow and not enough sun it was hard to tell the difference between seasons.

It was the day before Lydis would turn ten. One day before her fateful reunion with Valeri two years ago. She looked out of the window in her room. Due to the cold mountaintops a tent wouldn't be enough to stand against the weather so they moved there in the spring when most of the snow melted to build the houses and guard posts. She held the pocket knife in one hand. Thinking back she had really grown and bonded with the members at the camp.

Ami had been like an older sister, taking care of her wounds after sparring. Blair like an eccentric aunt who loved sparring. Zai was the grumpy uncle who can't say his true feelings, Nova was like an older brother. Teaching her how to blend in with her surroundings and how to track whenever he had time. Amber was like the cold and cool cousin with a lot of information. She learned how to do mathematics from her. Kyle taught her how to use small weapons. It turned out that her pocket knife belonged to Kyle too. He agreed to let her have it as a favor. And the various other members of the squad were like a family to her as well. Accepting and helping her grow.

Valeri knocked on the door frame.

"Hey Lydis."

"Valeri…" Even though on paper, Lydis was listed as Valeri's child, she had never thought of calling her mom. It was too sudden and she felt like Valeri was more like an older sister.

"You're going to be leaving tomorrow."

"Yeah." Valeri went and hugged Lydis, her old arms shaking a bit.

"I'm sorry I can't protect you more…" Valeri pulled Lydis closer.

"I know."

"I don't want you to leave."

"I know."

"I'm scared for you."

"I know." Lydis raised her arms and wrapped them around Valeri.

"What if you never come back? What if you die somewhere and I'll never know?"

"I won't. You guys trained me to survive. I don't plan on dying like a dog." Lydis patted Valeri's head in rea.s.surance. They stayed like that for a moment until Valeri finally released Lydis gently.

*sniff* "You really never seem like a ten-year-old sometimes." Valeri rubbed the ends of her eyes, tears making her cheeks slick.

"And you never seem like a fifty-four-year-old granny with all your crying." Valeri chuckled and grabbed Lydis's cheeks with her hands.

"Listen closely. When you reach the academy don't try to show off. Don't draw attention to yourself. I want you to finish the school and come back here immediately." Lydis paused.

"I won't try to stand out but, I'll try my best to be a soldier that we'll both be able to be proud of." Valeri brought Lydis in for another hug.

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too Piti." A knock at the door caused them to separate from each other. Valeri rubbing her eyes while Lydis straightened out her s.h.i.+rt.

"It's Amber, time for you to go Lydis."

"Yeah."

Outside rest of the group was waiting for her. Blair, Kyle, Nova and Zai. Lydis stood in front of each one and gave them a heartfelt salute and hug.

"Bye Zai." She had known him the least but he would always help her without being needed to ask.

*grunt* "If I find out that you're slacking off in school I might come over there and beat you back into shape." Although he tried to sound mad there was a hint of softness and affection in his voice. It had taken Lydis a long time to finally manage to converse normally with Zai. At first it had been her just bothering him every day. Not even full conversations. Either a 'yes' or 'no' for an answer. She hugged him tighter. Zai sighed and hugged her back.

"I won't slack off."

"You better not. I don't want to waste my vacation teaching you something you already know." Zai let go and pushed her gently to the next person. Amber had gotten in line as well while Zai and Lydis were hugging. Lydis walked up to her and hugged Amber. She hugged Lydis back but her stone face had cracked a little, the tips of her mouth curling into a soft smile.

"Lydis, remember. 'A woman is no less than a man'…"

"…'and a man is no less than a woman. Equality and stability lead to prosperity'."

"And most importantly, 'be a first-rate version of yourself'…"

"…'Instead of a second-rate version of somebody else'. Your lessons will always be with me Amber." Lydis held Amber close.

"If you understand then move on." Amber released Lydis and pushed her on towards Kyle. Lydis didn't hug Kyle but threw a sudden left feint and kicked with her leg. Kyle calmly raised his s.h.i.+n to block Lydis's leg and ignored the punch.

"Did you think that would work?" Kyle's face was br.i.m.m.i.n.g. He had only ever taken one disciple and that was Lydis so he felt a strong connection with her.

"Just though that a sappy goodbye wouldn't fit you." Lydis pulled her foot back. She gave Kyle a high five and grinned. "Although I would like a hug." Kyle spread his arms wide and grabbed Lydis in a bear hug.

"You better not let yourself get beaten by a weakling!" Lydis nodded, Kyle released her. "And take this." He pulled her hand closer and dropped a greyish colored steel bra.s.s knuckles. The ends rounded a bit to make it less dangerous.

"Kyle!" Blair saw the bra.s.s knuckles and fumed. She had brought the same gift before Kyle did! She was the one who told the others that she was getting Lydis a gift on her departure day and Kyle copied her!

Lydis looked at the seething Blair next to Kyle. He continued to laugh, acting ignorant of Blair's outburst.

"Move along now, the supply caravan won't wait long." Lydis was pushed towards Blair. When Lydis went in for a hug Blair just stood there, her face flushed.

"Blair?" Lydis looked up and saw tears on her face. "…Uh…" Suddenly Blair shoved her hand into her jacket pocket and pulled out a pair of faded golden bra.s.s knuckles.

"…For you…" Blair pushed the bra.s.s knuckles at Lydis, her eyes on the floor. She was so embarra.s.sed right now! After giving her gift second it looked like she copied Kyle! Lydis smiled gently at Blair. Even though she was way older than Lydis, Blair could really be childish sometimes. Lydis took the one for her left hand and the gave Kyle back the right one he had given her. Confused Kyle and Blair looked at Lydis.

"Did you not like them?"

"No, I like them both but, I can't choose whose to wear so I'll wear both. Kyle's on my left and Blair's on my right!" Lydis slipped her hands in to show them. The mismatched gold and grey looked out of place but Lydis was happy so they didn't voice their opinions. Blair swelled with satisfaction. She went in to hug Lydis.

"Be safe."

"I will." Blair released Lydis and huffed triumphally.

"Good thing no one else copied me in giving Lydis a gift!" At this Amber, Zai and Nova coughed suddenly. Blair looked at them weirdly but didn't say anything.

Lydis moved onto Nova. Since he was the youngest between Zai, Amber, Blair and Kyle, Lydis had the easiest time talking with him. He was the scouting captain despite being young so it meant that his skills were great. He was also a great teacher! Easy to understand and clear, much better than Blair's rough teachings.

Nova hugged Lydis tightly, his dark hair swooping over his face. He had grown attached to Lydis as well. He though of her as his little sister, so it was hard for him who had no real siblings to see her leave.

"If anyone dares to bully you I'll make them pay one-hundred times more." The others also chimed in as well, agreeing with Nova's statement.

"Should anyone dare to bully me then I'll make sure they pay before you have the chance to."

"Let me have my moment." Lydis smiled at Nova and he sighed, he really would do as he said. Even if it meant that he might go against a powerful n.o.ble, he would take the risk for Lydis.

"Bye Nova." Lydis squeezed him one more time and let go. "Thank you everyone for the two years here." Lydis bowed and waved at them as the caravan leader waved her over. The others waved back and watched her leave, a part of them leaving with her.

"She really left a big impact on us huh?" Kyle had observed the grim expressions his companions wore.

"Like no other…" Amber clenched her chest.

"Yeah…" Valeri watched in silence, praying to the G.o.ddess Slyphina to protect Lydis on her journey.

As Lydis boarded the caravan the other soldiers of the squad collected on the sidelines. Waving and yelling their goodbyes.

""Bye Lydis!""

""Stay safe!""

""Come back soon!""

She waved back at them, her heart swelling with emotion. They really had become her family and her second home. As the caravan moved out from the middle of the camp Lydis felt that she was forgetting something.

At the same time Valfafer wandered out of Lydis's cabin, rubbing his eyes with his paws. He pushed his front paws out in front of him, stretching his body. He yawned lazily. What's going on so early in the morning? Who's being loud? Valfafer's eyes adjusted to the new lighting outside and saw Lydis in the back of a caravan car, waving to the other soldiers. It took him a moment to realize that she had left him behind!

Frantically he looked left and right, trying to find out how to get to her before the caravans reached their full speed. If they did, he would never keep up with his small body. Below the cabin's steps stood a group of people. He saw Valeri and began barking.

Valeri turned around and saw Valfafer at the top of the steps. Her jaw dropped. Lydis had forgotten her pet! What would she do if she looked for him and didn't find him?

"Huh? Isn't that Lydis dog?" Amber pointed at Valfafer. Valeri's mind raced with all the negative possibilities that could happen. Lydis could end up crying, maybe even dying! What if she fell off the caravan? What if they were attacked by bandits? Maybe even another nation's army? The ideas didn't even involve Valfafer anymore. In a split second Valfafer was under Valeri's arm. She was already in a running position.

Valfafer was scared. Wait wait wait! I'm not ready!

Valeri pushed off from her foot and she disappeared. A delayed gust of wind following her, the ground beneath her foot cracked in a small crater.

"Guess the captain will deliver it to Lydis." Kyle whistled as he watched Valeri sprint over, dust rising where she turned sharply.

Valfafer had his mouth open, mid scream, with no sound coming out. It only took them a couple of seconds to catch up with Lydis, the car she was in barely pa.s.sing the entrance to the camp.

"Lydis! Your dog!" Valeri called out to Lydis, one arm raised in a throwing position. Lydis turned her head and saw a big ball of red coming at her. She didn't have time to react. Valfafer's back slammed into Lydis's face. His fur cus.h.i.+oning the impact. Valeri saw Lydis fall backwards and winced a little. Did she knock out Lydis? Just as she was about to run over Lydis's small hand appeared above the car's wall, she held up a small thumbs up. Valeri sighed in relief and waved at Lydis one last time.

In the car Valfafer was still in shock, his arms and legs outstretched. Lydis rolled Valfafer off of her and sat up. The camp was already disappearing up the hill as the caravan cars went down the hill. She glanced at Valfafer and poked his muzzle. He sprang to life in that moment, eyes darting left and right.

"Am I still alive?" Lydis pushed at him with her hand.

"Of course. Your time as my servant isn't over yet." Valfafer slumped onto the floor.

"I thought I was going to die!" Lydis looked at Valfafer and laughed. "What? What's so funny?" She pointed to his fur.

"It's sticking up backwards!" Valfafer looked at his fur and sure enough it stuck facing the back. He tried to pat it down but that didn't work. Finally he shook himself really really hard. After his violent shaking his fur poofed upwards. His face barely visible under his fur.

"Why?!" Valfafer continued to try and calm his fur down but Valeri's sprint over had made it frizzy.

Lydis beckoned Valfafer over and brought out a small brush for him. He curled in her lap and let Lydis brush it down.

"I feel like the whole world's opening up to me now." Lydis looked out of the car's open back. The camp wasn't visible anymore.

"Hey, why'd you leave me?"

"Oh, I forgot."

"Forgot?! I'm so cute and fluffy, how could you forget me?!"

"I don't know. It slipped my mind." Valfafer wanted to argue more but Lydis began to scratched behind his ears. His back leg started kicking rapidly.

"Please back away from the back entrance as the doors will no be closing. The vehicle will now be gaining speed." The robotic voice played over the speaker in the corner. Lydis moved and sat in the middle of the crates as a large thick door slid down to cover the back opening.

Her journey into the outside world would finally start!