Delryn's Story

Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! that was all that ran through Daniel’s mind as he sprinted across the open field, Shit! Shit! Shit! Shiiiiit! another mortar popped behind him just as he dove for cover into the ruined building’s ground floor. “Shit! Whose bitchin’ idea was this anyway!?” he called out as three more bodies fell in line beside him, hiding behind the counter of the reception desk, bullets pinging off the wall.

“Give it a rest, there’s no use complaining about it now!” Anora commented as she peaked over the edge of the thick concrete slab following a break in the enemies fire, only to have to duck again as the shooting resumed with greater zeal, “We’ve got to hold off until-yikes, ricochet!- until the General gets into position! You knew what you were in for when you joined this stupid unit didn’t you!?” she jumped up at another small break and put her hand forward, a blue orb of energy amassed in her palm and launched off a beam of thick light that jest melted into a blue spot on the broken concrete where their opponents hid. They burst up in response and fire again, forcing her to take cover again, “Bastards, take this!” with a snap of her fingers the blue spot of energy detonated, bring down the already crumbling floor the shooters occupied, along with two more above it.

Concrete shards came scattering into the building as its neighbor groaned under the explosion, the second man behind the cover grabbed at his face, “OW! Watch it Anora, those kinds of spells aren’t the best to use in a crumbling city!” he commented before looking over the wall himself to see the damage. He brought his sword up just in time to block an incoming bullet, a slug by the slow speed and shape of it, which grazed his ear on its deflected path. “More of ‘em” the man swung his sword ar a line of rocky debris on the top of the counter, sending the shards of stone flying as if hit by a bat at extreme speed to crash into the area their opponents were occupying. Another bullet grazed his arm and he yelled as he fell back behind the barrier, “Ah! I’m hit. Damn that stings.” He hissed knowing the wound wasn’t fatal but still it was just adding to the situation.

“Hang on, Colonel, I’ve got you.” The fourth man slid to the other’s side though a break in the cover put him in the open for a split second, drawing more fire to the visible movement. He ignored it though and held his hand to the wound, a soft golden glow irradiating as multiple complex circles scribed in runes appeared in thin air, “Nothing serious, but it looks like you got a nerve cluster hit, I was more worried, you’re normally not a baby like this.”

“Up yours, Cap, I’m normally able to hit back, instead of being stuck here feeling useless…” he began to put his head up and another volley hit, “Jeez! They are pretty gun how on those damn triggers… Daniel, I count five. Think you can take ‘em if we run decoy?”

“Are you insane!” the captain who was healing the Colonels wounds asked as two more rounds hit the space next to him. “Damn it Artemis, this isn’t funny, I can’t raise the dead you know!”

“We don’t have much choice Sam, if we miss the rendezvous the General is bound to come looking for us and that’s the mission, gone, we got to try!” Artemis looked over to Daniel, “You got this right?”

“Chuu… Just who do you think you’re talking too?” Daniel smirked as he brought his two pistols up to the ready, three circles appearing floating above the barrel. “On your count, Colonel…”

“One…” Artemis cocked himself to the ready, Anora doing the same with her fist already sheathed in blue energy.

“Two…” Daniel’s left eye was covered by the same seal that floated above his guns’ barrels as he too got lower in preparation of the assault. The other man, Sam, was muttering something with his eyes closed, several glowing seals appearing over the vital areas of the Colonel.

“Go!”

Artemis burst into the air, roaring, sword held high. He swung the blade at a column, sending more chunks of stone at their opponents, yet that did little to nothing. As the opponents jumped up and took aim Anora let fly with a bolt of energy, sending one of the foes into the dark behind them. He wasn’t going to get up. The other four, however began to fire, aiming for the Colonel who was rushing in a serpentine pattern toward them.

“Six left, you’re count was off , Colonel.” Daniel commented as he raised one gun and fired, without truly bringing it to his eye. He repeated this five times until all of their opponents fell. The colonel had reached their entrenchment and with a mighty swing took out the column holding up the room their foes had taken shelter in. The roof collapsed sending a flurry of dust and a gust of wind out; blowing the shoddy clothing they wore behind him.

“Phew! That was a close one, next time I’ll bring some projectile weapons.” Anora commented as she stretched toward the dusk filled sky with a groan of stress. She looked to the Colonel who turned about, several spots of his clothing showed red stains form wounds he’d received in the charge, and as the golden seals faded a faint clinking could he heard as small dark pellets dropped form the air before him. Right between his eyes a pellet stood fast, held by some invisible force, that bullet was the last to fall.

“Thanks for the shields, Sam, you’re a literal lifesaver.”

“Next time you want to do something stupid, Colonel, find another med corp to drag into it!”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be more careful… Anora, let’s move out, the rally point is three blocks north.”

All the others stood and nodded, “Sir!”

-=-=-=-

The group gathered up and began to march again, heading deeper into the bombed out city. The summer breeze of the lower plains didn’t reach this far north, didn’t come near these border cities that had been destroyed and abandoned during the current war with Kleznia, the huge country to the north east (think soviet union). These militia men and insurgents were a real pain in the ass. But it wasn’t them that Daniel had on his mind as they turned the bend to the next street. He saw the around three hundred yard stretch of open street before him and gulped. The others were slightly on edge by it too but they weren’t snipers, not like him, they had worried about the pillbox they ran into back a few clicks, but the moment he’d seen this stretch he’d got chills up his spine. “Delryn…you got visual right? This place is a sniper’s paradise…” Daniel called over the radio, hearing a burst of static from the other end.

The street dead ended at a destroyed church, only the old bell tower remained. Now that he got a look at it Daniel doubted that the sniper would be in there, the tower was too damaged, unstable, and with the bell sitting right in the line of fire he’d only be able to see one side form that location, not to mention the range was incredible, he could do it but how many insurgents could? No, if it was him he’d be in the office building to the right, which is just where he’d suggested Delryn go. “On your toes guys, there’s little to no cover to speak of here, if it were me this is where I’d have set that pillbox.”

“Good thing the enemy isn’t you.” Anora commented, Artemis grunted in agreement.

Sam looked form building to building as they walked, each one more bombed out and unstable than the last, he’d never set foot in any of them, they were bound to come down form a rat scurrying over their floors, “Come on Daniel, this place isn’t habitable for even you, that church tower is about to-”

Crack!

The world slowed as Daniel looked to his side, a streak of red splattered the concrete, a single plash marking his cheek as Sam’s body fell back. Daniel didn’t need to be in the medical corp to know that he was dead. That shot was perfectly placed, right through the neck. He cursed as his instincts took over and he dove right, jumping behind a burned out husk of a bus. Artemis had grasped a shocked Anora and leapt into the second story of a nearby building, his powerful legs making a jump like that easy.

“Shit! Sam is down! Repeat! Squad mate down! Delryn, did you see the source?” Daniel had been watching the right side building but hadn’t seen a flash, maybe the eye in the sky had. Another shot rang out and a pang indicated the buss had been hit; he was aiming for Daniel, lucky sucker had picked the right targets, the medic and the sniper.

“Shit, not our lucky day.” Artemis commented over the short range com.

Delryn had departed a day before the main body had begun their push. The infiltration had been painstkingly slow but he had finally reached. His post. Daniel had let him know the threat of a possible sniper in the AO, it was a bit of a shame honostly Delryn knew a lot of people on the other side. And today he was goin to kill an old spotter of his. Delryn was baricaded In a three story building. It was shelled and sections of the walls had been blasted from the structure. Brick, mortar and dust filled the. room, Delryn crouched on a. Small dresser that he had moved in line with the boarded up window. He had. Had spent a good while ensuring tha he would be invisibke until his first shot had been taken.

Fourteen hours had passed. Delryn crouched their shifting his weight extreamly slowly. His rifle still aimed down the street when the radio barely crackled into his ear. A small smile crept across his l ips as he looked down the path everything looked clear and so he responded back "You guys took your sweet time I see." Delryns voice streached across the com line. Thats when the first shot rang out. Instantly Delryn activated his sight. As he began to survay the scene slowly he would chamber a round in his rifle . And watched then another shot cried out but this time he could see the trajectory.. the bell tower the shooter had to be there.

"Daniel I dont have a shot... when you here my signal move. Shooter is in the bell tower. ." Delryn whispered as he pulled the round back out an held it in his hand in a moment it seemed to vibrate andalmost glow with power. Michale might not have been able to hit the shooter but the bell... there was a loud resounding crack as the window in the room he was in exploded outward. The round travled with percision matched only by a hand full of shooters.in the next moment it would seem as if Delryn had missed entirely then there was a small snap as the bell began to fall down the tower.

Delryn smiled as the bell crashed down the tower...."Good luck shoting through that..." Delryn smirked that was a mistake... A shot fired crashing into the wall next to him. Delryn didn't flinch as he began to load another round a second shot this time on the other side of his head. Delryn slapped the bolt forward loading the round as he squeezed the trigger the round would fly up deflecting up into the tower as it began to ricochet around then the thrid shot would cry out Time would freeze for both gunman. Michale could feel the round enter his abdomen and through his optic he could see the shooter grabbing recoil garbing his leg. "Too late..." Delryn mumbled as he watched Anoras attack level the tower.

Delryn pulled a pistol out of his Ghille suite and aimed it at the wall as he began to apply pressure with his other hand to his gut the pain was searing but not lethal as long as he got some level of medical aid he would be fine and make a full recovery As He could hear Daniel's footsteps he slung his riffle and grabbed the shell casings off the ground. and began to walk out of the door. holding his wound with his pistol aimed in front of him.

Delryn had made it out of the room when two explosions filled the room he was in. each too small to destroy more than flesh but more than powerful enough to cause damage to a nice soft fleshy target.

Daniel turned the last corner as a shockwave emanated from the room Delryn emerging out of the clouds of dust. In a sudden response to Delryn’s posture Daniel raised his guns as well, but swiftly relaxed, “Geez, Caster Rounds? Where the hell did an insurgent get those? And how did he know how to charge them?” he commented as he walked past Delryn to survey the scene, the floor was gone from Delryn’s hide, and the walls were black with soot, though there was an unmistakable shimmer form the spell used, “Hmm… Anora, did you use that last explosion from Delryn’s position by any chance?” he placed a finger to one ear to ensure he heard her as he turned his back on his ally.


“Yeah, I saw it, looked like expansion magic to me… not easy stuff to do, very powerful, but very distinct.” She replied over the communications, “Why, is he alright?”

Daniel turned ot look at Delryn and began to say yes, until his eyes caught the stained cloth around his abdomen, “Ye-No, Artemis, we need the first response kit, who’s got it?”

“Sam, I’ll go back for it, you guys hold position there, Anora will meet up with you. I’ll bring his body with me too, I’m not leaving him in this forsaken hell hole.

“You’re not going back there alone!” Anora retorted.

Artemis sighed, “Anora it’s only a few blocks.”

“To hell with that, Daniel has Delryn, I’m backing you up.”

“Go help the others, that’s a direct or-”

“If you finish that statement I’m gonna put my boot so far up your high ranked ass that-”

Daniel turned them down on his comm for a moment, “Jeez, can’t those too act more professional in the field.” He cleared his throat on the mic and spoke slowly, “Time is not on our side, Colonel, can the lover’s spat wait?”

“If you didn’t have a point Daniel I’d have your ass in a sling.” Artemis grumbled. By the silence on the comms Anora had won and was following Artemis. That left Daniel to check his buddy over, “Alright man, what the hell happened? Where are you hit?” Daniel was asking about his physical health but was also concerned about the man’s mental state, he didn’t seem as sharp as he usually was, but getting shot will do that to you.”

Delryn listened to the conversation as he lowered his side arm and leaned against the wall, had it been Francis? Or had it been Sarah? Finally Daniel's attention shifted back to Delryn and began talking to him. Delryn's attention came back as he took his hand off the wound to look. "Ill be better once they dig this bullet out of me..did you guys get a visual on the body? " Delryn asked as he reapplied the pressure to the wound. Delryn had money betting that the shooter had been Sarah. She had always been adapt with magic, her specialty of course had been scrying. Perfect for a spotter turned sniper. "You know it was only a matter of time before they got them and rustled themselves up a few magus to use them. I could name three others that could be powerful enough... and narrow it down to one real answer on who it probably was." Delryn said quietly killing old friends was a dirty business but that's what happens when you change sides he supposed. "If I still seem off to you after the mission catch me at Archon. Daniel we arent done here as it is we have one funeral to attend."

Daniel nodded in confirmation as Delryn sat to rest, the stairwell was not the best place for retracting a bullet from someone but they couldn’t move with him injured like this, the situation was tense. As Delyrn asked if they’d confirmed the body Daniel shook his head as a negative, “To much debris, and we don’t have the time to search it all, if we had a Magus with reveal here we might be able to find the body but I’m afraid at the moment the mission takes precedent.”

Leaning against the back wall he listened to Delryn expand on his suspicions of the events form the past few moments and nodded, “That’s true, it’s not like magic is exclusive to the Empire or anything, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” He turned with guns raised as footsteps echoed behind them. He fired once into the concrete as the steps reached the landing below and then called out, “Archon.”

A male voice replied with, “…Sleeps soundly.” Daniel lowered his weapons as Artemis and Anora came into view, Anora had the med kit, and Artemis had Sam’s body. The call and response was a reference to the fact that Lord Archon was buried someone beneath the school, simple enough hfor even a freshman to remember.

Anora moved up the stairs to Delryn’s side and opened the box, but in doing so she tore her sleeve on an exposed bit of rebar, “Damn it, isn’t there anywhere else we can do this at? There’s barely any room to maneuver.”

“Artemis shook his head, “This building is one of the more stead in this area, the shelling three years ago left most of the downtown zones in ruins, and the war costs prevented any reconstruction.”

“I-uh- know that… bite down on something Delryn, this is going to sting,” she warned as she pulled open a bottle of amber liquid and poured it on the wound. The liquid was a disinfectant as well as an anesthetic, but unfortunately the last bit took a few moments to kick in and until it did it would burn like hell, “Sorry bout that, but it shouldn’t hurt as much now… Daniel grab his shoulders, we don’t need him moving when I pull this sucker out… Artemis, hold his legs.” She took out a long pair of forceps and a peice of strange glass with a hole in the middle. Placing the glass over the womb she pulsed her aura into it, in an instant a colorless picture outline of the wound was visible, and flowed down to the bullet. Taking the forceps she placed them in the hole and pushed. Even with the anesthetic the pain was probably rather measurable, but she wouldn’t stop as she continued in and used the glass to find the bullet and grab it, “All right-all righty, I got it, not hang on, I’m gonna pull it out in three-” she didn’t keep counting but yanked the bullet out, surprising him hopefully so as to not make him realize the pain was there, she knew there was no painless way she could get at it but she still did the best she could.

Uncorking another bottle, this time of green liquid, with her teeth she poured the more viscous fluid into the now bleeding wound, which hissed as the bleeding was stopped, and the wound shriveled. Finally she took out some bandages and wrapped his midsection in them, knowing she’d done what she could and he wasn’t in mortal danger but unsure of the pain, “How’s that? Is the Pain bearable?”

Delryn smiled as Anora moved up to him pulling out her tools and cursing at the situation. "Ohh Come now Anora...It could be worse, It could have been arterial bleeding..." Delryn said moving his hand so she could begin to work she had instructed him to bite down on something he gave a small chuckle in response nodding as he bit his shoulder gently. As the first set of liquid touched the wound he gave a small hiss and shot Anora a look of displeasure. as he felt the two others begin to hold him down. He gave a small grunt as the forceps into his wound causing him to squirm his feet slightly. then she grabbed it as she gave him his warning he looked at her and managed to get out a muffled few words. "Anora Don't you dare...GARRRRhhh " He screamed into his shoulder as he looked at her flexing against Daniel and Artemis. "Your a sadist you know that?" Delryn asked as she put the other liquid on to stop the hemorrhaging. "The pain is bearable your bedside manor on the other hand could use a little work." Delryn said trying to keep his composure. "Well since their is no body for the shooter...We probably shouldn't linger...Whats next on the agenda. we are down one and we cant Carry Sam all over the battle space.

Delryn looked at the body on the ground then glanced up at Artemis. "I could get to the rally pont myself unnoticed maybe one other....Four and a dead body is going to be...challenging...Especially if the sniper is still alive." Delryn said as he let that sink in and gave a small sigh. They didnt have much of a choice and he shot Daniel a worried look. as He began to grab pebbles off the ground and began to make a very crude map showing the hospital and their current location. "I was here for over half a day before you came in sir....the most direct and fast approach is down that street....but as we can see its not the safest... We can take the side streets and alleys here. However maneuvering them with a body is going to be slow and give our enemy time.... This is the path I think we should take if your adamant about bringing Sam's body...The other option is to cut our and around in the opposite direction and circle all the way around to come at the hospitable from the side."

Delryn looked at Daniel and then gave a small sigh. "The fourth option would be a to run a rabbit hunt...We could send someone to cause a little chaos while the others moved then with some luck perhaps they could evade the enemy and regroup in a few hours. at the hospital...Before the extract of course"

Delryn Wasnt sure how far they would be able to go with him wounded and carrying the body....but he could take care of himself and he knew that and if the shooter was who he thought it might be they would chase him not the group.

As the team picked up and moved Delryn kept his eyes open as they moved his hand gripped his pistol as he scanned the rooftops as they went. finaly he looked at Artemis.."Sir I can walk on my own besides you have your hands full..." Delryn said as he gave a small grunt looking over his wound slightly as he put his hand back over it The intersection lead through two different routes a park that had cover but lots of places to hide in....and the other would take them through a small urban maze. keeping in with Artemis's wishes Delryn pointed down hte left path. "Slowly...We could be walking into a rigged building...I could scout it but something tells me you wouldent like that idea sir." Delryn said as he lifted his optic to his eye to gaze over the rooftops surrounding them. Delryn couldn't shake the feeling that they were being hunted.

"Daniel you got that feeling man?" Delryn asked trying to reconfirm his suspicions...Perhaps he was in a too familiar area Perhaps it was that he thought he knew the other shooter. but Delryn was more on edge now than he had been in a long while.

"Artemis save it for your victory speech...." Delryn said as the man apologized to him again, it was getting slightly annoying. As Dannel made his comment about how hard the opposition had been fighting for the city"I guess it just depends on how much you want to Protect something....you want." Michale said as he watched the rear holstering his Pistol and would unsling his riffle putting the magazine into it. The hotel was in decent condition, that was never a good sign it was too good of a place to be. Then began the chaos the trap went off. Delryn had gotten behind cover as Anora had shielded the group from the blast. Delryn spun around instinctively covering the hallway as Daniel seemed to do the same.

Delryn gave Daniel a small nod it was a simple gesture as he turned to look back down the hallway. That was when the shot rang out. Delryn had thrown himself into a small arch as he glanced around the corner listening to Daniel curse at the shooter. "She....and if it is Sarah her specialty is scrying...She is like a fox and we are mice in the field..." Delryn said as he called out his voice carrying down the hallway. "What do you want Sarah...?"

His question was answered with a single shot form the shooters rifle. splinters of wood scattering next to his head. She was closer than before that was for certain this was going to possibly turn into a legitimate shootout.


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Down the hallway and outside the hotel, down the street and sitting just inside a broken window crouched a single figure her leg bleeding slightly and wrapped hastily. She had auburn hair and fair features. But to assume she was delicate was a deadly mistake. She was covered in tan and dark cloths designed to blend with the surrounding environment her Auburn Hair chopped off close to her head. In her hands she held a Rifle with a large optic on top of it. She herself couldn't have been older than 18 and yet she handled the rifle with a look as if she had been handling the weapon all her life. Her heart beat in her chest. as his voice reached her from the inside of the hotel. She had instinctively pulled the trigger "Damit!" She hissed under her breath as she adjusted slightly. She wanted to ask him why, she wanted to understand his decision all anyone ever mentioned of him these days were rumors..of how he had either been killed or flipped sides. on the ground next to her was a simple bowl of water. she glanced down looking into it as she could see the two inside the hotel. They appeared to be pinned she had the advantage at the moment this was a good day for her....Even if she was going to kill him

As the blast was shot out Delryn went on the offensive. Smoke billowing out as he pulled his pistol in his main hand holding his riffle in his left. he fired six quick shots blindly into the smoke cloud. Throwing the pistol to the side as he Jumped into the building with the smoke. The building was filled with dust and smoke. making it hard to see or breathe. But Delryn wasn't in the mood to care about either. Daniel had gotten him here now and now it was time for him to take advantage of what was in front of him.
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Sarah had dived behind cover as the bolt of magic had exploded feet in front of her sending dust and rubble into her room. "Shit she cursed as then a black smoke began to fill the area as she went to look at the bowl of water only to have six bullets rip into her room and two of them bouncing around ricocheting around the room before stopping by then the smoke had filled the room. As a figure came crashing into the room Sarah took her riffle and swung it at his head. her eyes closed as she swung her aura acting as a type of sonar she could see his outline this would grant her another advantage.

----

As Delryn landed inside the room he could hear her movements come towards him aggressively. The sound of her weapon swinging through the air caused him to roll forward there was a loud resounding *thwack * As Delryn dropped his Riffle and pounced at his assailant. He was quick on the pick up As the two figures went to the ground their was a brief struggle as She cried out in pain her leg not handling the wound in it, as she kneed Delryn in the gut causing him to gasp in pain as he punched her thigh where the wound was. the two gasping in pain as Delryn mounted her guard. After a moment more and both bleeding There was silence and a brief struggle. from her. "Delryn was panting and gasping as he held her wrists to the ground and sat on her abdomen. Staring down at her, his heart beat in his chest as he could begin to make out her features becoming more predominant "Sarah"

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"Sarah" The words hit her ears as she gave a small struggle then looked up at him his face It hadn't changed it still looked youth full but those eyes, they burned deep with years of war and hurt and now was no exception. She stared up at him with a look of hurt and sorrow. They sat their for what seemed like an eternity neither willing to move or say anything just starring at the other. She had even started to tear up slightly. They had grown up together, they fought together. They had killed together. And more importantly they had Been lovers. After a moment longer she seemed to relax as she teared up. "Why...Why?"

----
Delryn had her pinned as he had pulled his secondary pistol and put it against her head starring down at her as she asked her question. "I could ask the same Sarah...Why are you here? Why are you fighting with them still? Im doing this becuse they gave me a reason to end the fighting How about you Why are you here causing more grief?" Delryn asked reffering to the medic she had killed. as he looked down at her and gave a small frown. "im going to give you the same chance I was given And maybe you will make the smae choice I did. Or maybe you will do something different...." Delryn said as he leaned foward and let go of her wrists as he gave her a soft kiss on her cheek pulling the gun away from her head and fired it two times into the wall then pushed it to his left shoulder and squeezed the triger putting a round through his shoulder. Causing him to gasp in pain. as he dropped the pistol and got off her after a second of pain he looked at her. "The choice is yours Sarah...I still love you." Delryn said quietly as he reached down picking up the two rifles with his good hand tears running down his cheaks silently as he made his way into the lifting smoke. looking back as if to tell her to stay down, as he made his way back to Daniel bleeding from his wound in the shoulder.

----

Sarah sat their unable to move as he walked away Staring at him tearing up as he walked away just laying there. She shook her head as he walked away then looked at the pistol and stared at it. She could do it right now, she would be commended for killing the reaper of men...But she couldn't will herself to grab the gun not after what he had just done. He was so nonjudgmental and she was sure that if The empire found out he would be tried for treason..."God Dammit!" she cursed under her breath as he walked back towards the hotel.

---
Delryn hit the door and called out "Dont shoot its me....I n not in the mood for codes..." Delryn said bluntly as he walked in and looked to see where Daniel was setting the riffles. on the ground near him and sliding down as he sat down and put his right hand into his left shoulder to stem the bleeding.

As Delryn returned Daniel looked him over, “Jeez, if I thought you’d get that beat up I’d have gone with you… you alright?” he asked as he lowered his weapon form watching the checkpoint. Artemis and Anora came up from the other side of the building; Artemis’ coat was covered in blood, presumably none of it being his. Anora however had one of her bangs scorched off, and she didn’t look too happy about it.

“Bastard got one lucky shot, it’s gonna take hours of regrowth magic to fix this.” She sighed and looked to Delryn with a scowl, “Oh come on, you got shot again!” she commented as she took out the glass and forceps again. Artemis stopped her though as he looked Delryn over.

“The sniper… you got him right?” he asked directly.

“You think he’d be standing here is he didn’t?” Daniel commented with a smirk but a cross shot glare cut his attitude down like a blow form one of his swords.

Artemis continued his glare at his subordinate, “The sniper has been neutralized…right Sergeant?” it was as if he knew something was up… but there was something else, a small shadow in the back of his eye that was almost begging the man to lie to him. Daniel glanced at his watch and then toward the hospital, they needed to get going but he wasn’t about to tell the colonel that. Artemis’ look was shallow, and Anora looked suspicious (or angry, it was hard to tell) but Daniel couldn’t’ tell why, maybe fourth years just assumed that their third year counterparts were incompetent.

Delryn starred up at Artemis and pointed to the second riffle on the ground. "Her rifle is right there. She had a name you know Her name was Sarah." Delryn responded. He was furious he was shaking with fury as he took a step towards Artemis "And for the record sir. "Had you listened to Daniels advice and mine Sam may be alive and So might Sarah. You have asked a lot of me and to have me....." Delryn turned around staring out to the rubble. She was gone, left the building. disappear and hopefully to her own fate now. "You lost a freind today I lost My lover and you ask me if I did my Job..."

Delryn was fuming. But then it was tapped emotion he had to for her they had to believe he had killed her, and in a sense he had. He had given her a chance to start her own life with a new identity Sarah was dead the true gift a lover could give her. A new life, "As far as Im concerned leave the bullet in...."

Delryn sat down and and re applied pressure to his shoulder as he pulled back his hood staring at the ground. He would probably never see her again. why is it so much harder now than it was the first time. He slung his rifle and grabbed hers in his bad hand and stood up.

Delryn sat his shoulder bandaged While Anora wasnt going to remove that bullet they would make him once at the academy. Delryn looked through his scope and gave a small sigh. "Targets destroyed, Ten enemy vics destroyed potential 55 KIA." Delryn said as he adjusted slightly as he sat up "Mission accomplished...I think its time we wrap this up. you sir?" Delryn would ask at Artemis as he ran his hands through his hair.

Delryn Gave a stiffled gasp as he felt the fist of Artemis and the injection shoot into his shoulder as he then. gave a surprised cough and watched the man walk off aand shook his head slightly as Daniel made his comment. "It would have been worth the demerit in my opinion...But at least its over. Ill be fine I suppose i have two funnerals to attend now. and school will be starting back up so I guess i should enjoy the little vacation." Delryn paused as he had put his good arm on Daniels shoulder. "You okay?" he would ask although he didnt excpect an answer.

As the Vertilift would land Delryn would take a few steps forward as the soldiers piled off taking over the security on-top of the building. Delryn would lock his weapon into place as he would grab hold of Sarah's riffle in his hands with a death grip. Once he got onto the bird he seemed to check out his gaze glancing over the city. She had made it Artemis might know something was off but she was free...

After a moment the General came out the medics had stripped off his top layer of clothing and begun assessing his wounds. "We are going to leave the bullet in and remove it back at Archon... Here is something for the pain to take more of the edge off. Also eat this it will help with the dizziness." Delryn was robotic following their demands as General Ruler made his way to the vertlift and paused staring at him...Delryn viewed the man more of a wizard in the classical sense. Wise and all knowing and arriving precisely when they were supposed to.

As the Generals words reached his ears he stood up for the general mindfull not to salute. "I could be worse sir...so could the team...." He said then looked in the direction of the wreckage. "But all in all it seems like it was a mission well accomplished. Glad to see you made it in one piece sir." Delryn said his hand never letting go of the riffle in his left hand. It was odd he had never been so sentimental but perhaps that is what the empire had shpwn him was a family life... people had something to hold onto. he wanted that and If perhaps they ever met again he would do just that sit her down and perhaps start a life. But in the mean time he would look to the generals answer.


--

Sarah sat in a destroyed building as she stared up at the Vertlift that was leaving the city. Delryn was on that one she teared up for a moment as she watched the Vertlift leave. "Till next time....Perhaps it will be in a more civilized setting..." She muttered to herself as she wrapped herself up in the cloak she had found and walked toward the boarders of the Empire itself....

Michale Struggled with the uniform He wasn't a fan of tailored outfits, not that he had worn them allot in the past but his first impressions where not promising. He gave a sigh as he stepped out looking over his orders one last time "First Platoon Second squad...." He mumbled as he made his way down to the parade deck where the muster was being called. Michale had an apple in his hand as he looked around the mass of students. It was almost like chaos. unfolding a few dozen seemed to know where to go everyone else lost in the chaos of voices and screams. Michale placed a hand over his pocket the deck of cards safely in place as he Made his way to the symbol for First platoon and began to deduce which was second squad.

Michales heart raced as he suddenly saw the crowd. as he stepped into the ranks most just milled about. but he didnt have anyone to talk to. Just a spot to stand on and wait no family coming, no old friends just himself. Michale swallowed hard as he nodded silently to himself and awaited the start of the ceremony.

----

Delryn had dressed sharp in his uniform. His left shoulder held a gold red and green braided cord looping under his arm and back up the other side. on his head he wore the red cap of the SDU and his D class pinned and shined brightly to his collar. Delryn had gotten up particularly early as he headed out the back side of the campus looking out into the forest as his gloved hand massaged above his eyes. His shoulder was stiff and as a memento the medical team had given him the bullet Anara had recovered from his gut the one in his shoulder had splintered and shattered on impact. He had bored a hole in the round and hung it from his neck and now he sat staring at the sky in front of a small wooden cross, he had pounded in the ground. It had an single S on it and was made carefully by Delryn. It served too purposes now. One as a symbol of hope that he would see her again. Two it was something to prove that he had Neutralized the Enemy sniper.

"Sarah Im hoping i see you again soon, and i hope you made the right decision." Delryn mumbled under his breath as he touched the cross and made his way back to the campus. He had made it back into the chaos. Delryn hated the opening ceremony's he instinctively watched the roofs and the crowd. made mental notes on angles of optimal attack and egress routes. that's when he saw the little scoundrel...No that wouldent do at all.....

---

Michale stood there with a hand in his pockets the other eating the apple as he stood whear the formation would be It seemed harmless enough as he took another bite of apple..

"Hey! You...No not you The one with the Apple Yes you What on gods Green earth are you doing Cadet.....? No dont answer fix yourself. Get your hands out of your pockets and that food out of your mouth when standing on the parade deck....What do you think this is chow time..."

The man who had confronted him was obviously older and came out of no where his uniform was decorated his rank insignia was higher than his and instantly reliased he should have studied more. on the rank structure. Michale gave one last swallow as the man got into his face and began to yell at him correcting him...perfect just how he wanted to start his next four years....He had to be the one....

Clink... clink... clink...
Azyr heard the same sound over and over. He awoke from his nap and peered across his dormroom.
Clink... clink... clink...
He saw small sparks fly throughout the air. As his eyes adjusted from sleep and focused the light, he noticed his roommate cleaning and sharpening his sword. "Just my luck to get stuck in a room with mr. soldier boy" he thought to himself. His roommate was a large man and the most patriotic soldier the academy had ever seen. His only flaws were that he was as dumb as an ox and he had an odd infatuation with his sword. However his sense of honor, duty, andy loyalty to the empire was second to none. The vast majority of conversations with him ended with glory to the empire or some other corny slogan. Azyr believe it was a conspiracy having them plaaced in the same room.
Clink... clink... clink...
"Finnally", his roommate yelled, today is the day I become a true soldier of the empire. Azyr placed his pillow over his face in annoyance. Knowing he would not be able to get anymore sleep he arose out of his bed and began to put on his uniform. After his roomate finished shining his sword he saluted Azyr and ran out of the dorms. Azyr's eyes rolled into the back of his head thinking about the imbecile they placed him in the room with. He then put on his uniform and let out an apathetic sigh after looking in the mirror. The uniform was snug, crisp, and sharp as it was fitted to his frame in perfect fashion. He noticed an envelope in his pocket with a circular pin wit a D inside of it. A note beside it said "Alpha Company, Third Platoon, First Squad, D Class." Azyr looked at the not and thought,"Damn, D-Class, I was hoping for E. D just means I will end up having to do more work." He threw the pin in his pocket and left the dorm.

Azyr headed toward the courtyard to await for the ceremony to start. He gazed at many of his fellow classmates being greeted by their families, getting chewed out by superiors, and performing various other tasks. He began to mentally analyze the rest of his platoon when he noticed a young woman being held in a submission hold by an older blonde woman. A moment of exitement overcame him when he noticed how attractive the older woman was. "Maybe this wont be so bad he thought." That moment quickly faded when he noticed here uniform and realized she was not a classmate but just a family member watching the introduction ceremony. He let out a sigh of relief that his sisters were on missions on opposide sides of the world. If they were here they would probably berate him for not making a higher rank class. Azyr layed out under the shade of a nearby tree and decided to take a quick nap before the festivities began.

Staring at the ceiling as the night just seemingly flies by closing his eyes trying to go to sleep, but for some odd reason, he isn't able to do so. Staring at the ceiling as he pulls out the small cylinder out of his pocket, he grips is tight as he sighs and puts it back into his pocket. As his view diverts away from the ceiling and looks around his empty and dark room.

As the sun arises and the light slowly makes it's way into the room Karu is still staring at the light in the same position he has been for the past 6 hours. Looking at the clock, he gets up and grooms himself. His hair disheveled with his bang down his right eye yet again, he dresses himself in uniform making everything is in check and sighs to himself as he stares at the necklace that's blatantly showing in front of the uniform. "I promise." Karu speaking to himself as he speaks to the reflection with resolute eyes. He leaves the dorm room head strong with the words in his head, "Alpha Company, Third Platoon, First Squad, D Class." These words kept ringing in his head as engravings so that he never forgets where he first began, the start of it all.

Walking towards the courtyard as his eyes stare into the sea of people, he feels sick to the stomach as unable to handle wide amounts of people, taking a considerable distance until the very last moment he was allowed. Analyzing the people who enter the courtyard getting thicker and thicker, he feels like he wants to leave the area, but at the same time feels obligated to not doing so; as such Karu swallows his uneasiness and tries to hold it in, just long enough for everything to be over with.

"OMG!"

Lucy instantly got up rubbing her eyes at the noise, her roommate was standing there next to her bed fully dressed in her uniform jumping up and down, screaming with...Joy? Once Lucys eyes had adjusted abit she could see her mother and father standing at the door, "Your father and I decided to come and get you dear," Her mother had said laughing quietly. "Wait, how did they let you guys into the dorms?" Lucy rubbed her hair confusingly.

"I went here to dear, I just simply asked that we could just get our daughter. Now get dressed, we have a ceremony to get to," Her father laughed with her mother.

"Alright I will meet you down there now GO your embarrasing me infront of my roommate," She shoo'd her parents out and closed the door looking over to her roommate. "YOUR THE DAUGHTER OF THE GREAT CHARLIE MARETTA?!" Her roommate excited-ily asked.

"Yes," Lucy replied while smiliing happily, her hair messed up and her beddress still on.

"We have to get you ready! Oh by the way my name is Jana Faye," Jana was going into Lucy's dresser getting her uniform and some of her accesories like her blue bow and placing them neatly on the bed for when they come back. "Lets Go!" Jana grabbed Lucys hand and they were out the door heading towards the showers. Once there Jana turned her back on Lucy and stood their like a personal bodyguard. "Have a shower and be quick!" She quickly said.

Lucy was flustered as she quickly had a shower making sure to wash her hair, she got dry and put a towel on, once again Jana grabbed her hand and now they were headed back towards their room on the third floor. Lucy ran in quickly and Jana closed the door, pressing her face against it. "QUICK GET DRESSED!" She hastily spoke. Lucy got dressed quickly into her uniform which was surprisingly comfortable she felt something in the pocket she reached in and pulled out a envelope with a pin with a 'D' on it. I guess im in Class D then... she pinnded it to her uniform and noticed a note in the envelope aswell getting it out, it said. "Cadet, Second Platoon, Third Squad" She turned to Jana and spoke quietly, "You can turn around now Jana," Jana sat her infront of the mirror while grabbing a brush, stroking Lucys long blue hair, then placing a bow in it.

Lucy stood up infront of the mirror and twirled while nodding, "I like what you did with my hair Jana...Jana?" Lucy had turned around and noticed that Jana was frozen with excitement. "It is true...You are beautiful like your mother" Jana had praised Lucy. 'Thank you Jana," Lucy had smiled at her as Jana suddenly grabbed her hand again running out the door onto Courtyard while asking a few Higher-Ups they were able to find Lucys parents. "Well See you Lucy!" Jana gave a wave and went to find her own parents. Lucy turned to her parents and hugged them both tightly. "Dear you look as beautiful as your mother!" Said her father astonished at Lucy. "Always the hint of suprise father?" Lucy and her father laughed then went on talking.

Delryn had finally found his way back to his spot standing in front of Artemis as he waited, as he had passed Daniel he had pointed the little heathen out to him...."Hes gonna be your problem child..." Delryn would say in passing clasping Daniel on the shoulder after a crisp salute. But now the ceremony had started. Delryn stood at behind fourth platoon his eyes scrutinizing the details of their uniforms they were all his and Artemisis but today he would strive to fix them individually As the command Post came out Delryn swiftly moved to the front of the formation as General Desmond stepped out and began his address.
---
Michale stood there as the lieutenant came through inspecting him "No sir just lucky, but its like I told her sir..Its only cheating if you get caught..."

He answered quickly before Daniel would move on again, then the waiting game started, he really hopped the next four years were not going to be like this to much, just standing around waiting for some speech but finally the speech came... and as it was given Suddenly a Vertlift had landed. Then there was whispering, and finaly someone else spoke...."And their goes any semblance of a normal four years i suppose at Archon..." Michale said out loud.sucking a bit of air through his teeth.

---
As the News was delivered Delryn stood there at attention as a few whispered behind him he spun around on his heals and gave a small quite but sharp bark. "I did not give you permission to talk you are still at attention...." before spinning around and standing in place.Delryn quickly began to think to himself. "The old man had died....that means someone else is going to be taking over the reigns and he knew two of the possible applicants." Delryn looked up to Artemis with a stare that could kill teh company needed to be dismissed to their rooms and the staff needed to take a day to move forward and discusse what this meant on their end....