"WHAT!? WHAT!? WHO!?" Aurora frantically clawed at the substance being blasted into her face. Each time she opened her mouth, she would cough and splutter. Black goo was covering her and she felt like she would be overpowered by it. "Yazmin! Help!" She screamed.
Looking behind her, Yazmin was gone from her side of the bed and was missing. Panic slowly rose up inside of her as she tried to understand what was happening. "No! NO! NOO!" She screamed.
The black goo stopped flooding over her body and a voice called out, "Honey, you're okay! You're okay! You're safe! I'm so sorry; I didn't think this would happen!"
Arms wrapped around her head and she soon felt the warmth of a person. Her mind was still racing as she wasn't able to process what had happened to her. "W-who?" She stammered.
"It's me, Yazmin. I'm sorry." Yazmin's voice was filled with heartache and emotions.
"What was that stuff," Aurora asked. Holding up her hand, she saw out of the corner of her eyes that the black goo was gone and no longer there, though her hands were still covered in some kind of liquid.
"It's just water. I tried to wake you up early, just in case, but you weren't responding to my voice." Yazmin explained.
Aurora stayed silent trying to understand the words Yazmin was telling her. "Where did you get the water from?"
"It's just water from a regular cooking pot, one of the larger ones since I didn't know how much I would need to wake you up. I didn't expect you to have such a violent reaction to it. What did you think it was?" Yazmin asked. Letting Aurora's head go, Yazmin looked at her face and placed both of her hands on either side of Aurora's head. Yazmin seemed concerned about the way Aurora had acted.
"I just saw this black goo covering me and you were gone," Aurora shook her head, a tremble going through her body. "I just thought the worst."
Yazmin likely felt the tremble since Aurora could see a tear rolling down Yazmin's face.
With one of her hands, Yazmin brushed back Aurora's damp hair. Even after the hair was no longer covering half of Aurora's face, Yazmin still kept using her hand to brush Aurora's hair back, as if the action would help reassure Aurora.
Placing a hand on Yazmin's waist, Aurora asked, "Yazmin?"
On Yazmin's face, there was a brief smile which quickly changed to a frown and transitioned to Yazmin sobbing. "I'm sorry! I didn't know this would happen when I tried to wake you up! I just didn't want to see you have to go back into the Pit!"
Hearing the words coming out of Yazmin made Aurora happy inside. She felt that Yazmin was a true friend, who really had her best interest in mind. "Hey. Hey, I'm good. I must have been between cycles when I woke up. You were just being a good friend."
"Hey! Did you get Aurora up? It's almost time... What happened here?" Opal's voice was heard.
Aurora turned her head to see Opal sticking half her body into the room but pausing at seeing the two of them. "Yeah. I'm up. It's just a thing don't worry about it."
Opal slowly nodded her head and said, "Okay. You'll tell me if it's something?"
"Yeah," Aurora responded smiling at Opal.
"Cool. Just make sure to hurry up. Promise a hug?"
Nodding her head, she couldn't help but laugh at Opal. Turning back to look at Yazmin, who looked like she had stopped, she moved Yazmin closer to her and kissed her on her belly. "We should get ready."
Yazmin didn't say anything, just nodding her head in agreement.
Walking out of the room, Aurora held onto one of Yazmin's hands. Yazmin's hand felt timid, likely her still feeling sorry about what had gone down in the morning. With her thumb, Aurora stroked the back of Yazmin's hand trying to reassure her. She could feel Yazmin tightening gradually tightening her grip on Aurora's hand.
Having showered the night before, Aurora led the way to the changing area when getting ready for team practices. With how heavy the suits were, they were kept in a separate changing area.
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Entering the changing area, she saw almost all the blades getting ready. The area was a long rectangular room, allowing everyone to discuss game strategies easier. When she went from the Knights' changing area to the Blades', Aurora had to get used to how everyone was able to see everyone changing easily. She remembered how the other Blades would tease her and how red her face got.
Everyone glanced at her walking in, the difference was the lack of teasing about her waking up. Seeing Opal looking at her with worry, Aurora understood that Opal had told the others to not tease her like usual.
Opal made some motions with one hand, "Okay?"
Aurora signed back that she was okay, and another sign meaning sisterly love.
Macy, who was next to Opal and also changing into her suit, signed, "None for me?"
Smiling, Aurora signed, "you, too."
Opal signed to Macy, "Back off, slut."
Macy laughed, causing the others to look over at her.
Going to the locker with the designation of 'Fifth Blade,' she let go of Yazmin's hand and opened up the locker. Inside was her suit and uniform that was worn under the suit. Removing her pajamas, she took out her uniform and opened it up. Inserting each of her legs into the suit, it felt like she was being embraced by a snug outfit. It was weird how the suit still felt unrestrictive, allowing her easily move her limbs but feeling so tight.
Pulling out the suit, which was larger than her, the locker held up the suit to allow easy access to it. Armor plates shifted and the back opened up. Getting into the suit, she felt herself being completely covered and plunged into darkness. A feeling of power and strength surged into her body, making her feel refreshed beyond what she felt out of it. A moan passed through her lips, feeling a sensation of power piercing into her body.
"Princess, how are you feeling?" Opal's voice was heard through the communication system.
"Feeling better. The suit is doing its thing, so I should be good for a while."
"Make sure you take extra recharge packs just in case," Yazmin reminded her joining in the conversation.
"I know," Aurora answered and sheepishly grabbed several and placed them in the storage unit on her suit. All suits for the Knights, even more for the Blades, were decked out with custom features. Aurora's suit had more elements that kept her sleeping issue in check, which is what the packs were for.
Moving and twisting her arms and legs, Aurora felt the status of everything and felt like she was good to go. Receiving confirmation from Vera, she signed an okay to the rest of the group who were already finished and waited for her.
"Princess always takes the longest," Ellis teased her.
"I didn't take that much longer... this time," she whispered the last part.
"No, you didn't," Yazmin said and added the sign for 'hug.' With how their suits were designed, it was hard to feel physical contact, so the Blades had come up with their own signs which they also tended to use outside of training sessions.
Aurora looked at the others and saw signs for hugs, kisses, and Princess being directed to her. Whenever she saw the sign for 'Princess,' she would feel her face heating up since it was created just for her by everyone in the room.
-----
In a large room, all ten of the Blades were waiting for the next phase. It appeared similar to the rooms they had their simulations in, which made the process more familiar.
"Just think of it like its a simulation," Aurora told herself as she tried to calm her nerves.
"You, okay?" Ellis signed to Aurora.
"Nervous," Aurora signed back.
"We're here with you," Ellis signed to her.
"Heads up. We'll soon be boots on the ground, in an extremely hostile environment. Keep your heads on a swivel and remember your training, especially from the Pit. Make sure to remember that death here is permanent." Zara spoke calmly through her mic.
"For the Creator," they all responded.
"Xia, you're with me. Lexi, make sure to take the remaining Blades and secure the site for the Knights that'll appear. Coordinate with the leaders of each of the teams."
Hearing all of Zara's commands, Aurora felt her heart beginning to beat. The room was plunged into darkness and the next thing she knew it, she and everyone else was in the middle of a field. Her first reaction was that she was back in the Pit, but seeing everyone else was with her, Aurora began to calm down.
"Ellis, you pair with Pearl. Yazmin with the Princess. Yes, of course, you're with Macy, Opal. Ida, with me." Lexi ordered. "Make a cross formation and back to back to one another. The teams should be appearing in the middle, so make sure to give enough room." Lexi pointed out where she wanted them to stand in position.
Aurora went over to where Yazmin was, and the two of them headed towards where they were meant to stand watch. From attached to her back, Aurora pulled out her large rifle. Having it in her hand was a comfort, though it didn't have infinite rounds of energy in the battery, she knew anything hit by the blast wouldn't be having a fun experience. Once her rifle was out of power, she had a bladed weapon that would welcome any opponents coming at her.
Reaching the designated location, she faced away from Yazmin and checked for any targets. She made sure to keep her breathing even, softening the effects of her suit which kept her alert. At at the moment it was making her feel more anxious due to the substance racing through her. The addition to the suit is the solution that Zara and Ms. Winter reached, allowing her to participate even with her disability.
"You're too good of a fighter for us just to let you sleep in late and laze about," Zara had once told her. When it was learned that her sleeping in was something outside of her control. It was one of the few times someone had really believed in her, which is why her words stuck with Aurora for so long.
"I wish that Zara had never figured out a way to let me fight in battles," Aurora complained.
"I don't. I wouldn't have been able to get to know you if you hadn't become a Knight." Yazmin said through the communication channel.
"Thanks. I'm also happy to have met you and everyone else." Aurora agreed.
"Cut the chatter!" Xia's words cut in. "If you have enough time for sentimental stuff, then you have enough time to do your job and keep an eye out. Start acting like Blades!"
"Yes, Second Blade!" They answered in unison.
Aurora sighed at being reprimanded by Xia, though it was better than getting it from Zara. Getting back to paying attention, Aurora observed the field. She saw a thick forest, next to the area, which stretched on past where she could see. The wood was closest to the two of them, causing some anxiety to creep up inside of her. With the trees, it was harder to see if anything was sneaking up on them.
"Vera, do you detect any signs near the forest?"
"There appear to be some sounds, though base on my files, the noises are from common animals which pose no threat to us."
A feeling of intense pressure was felt for a second, without needing to looks, Aurora understood that it was the teams of Knights appearing on the scene.
"Now that the Knights have arrived, we will begin our assessment of the area. The key is to understand the current circumstances so that we may eliminate the darkness on this world, and begin rebuilding." Zara's voice was heard. "I, along with Xia, will be taking one of the teams with us and going ahead to detect any threats. Lexi will be in command and will dictate the terms of engagement. I want everyone to return, so be on your guard. Stay safe and may the Creator be with you."
Bringing up a map of the area, Aurora saw two large dots moving away with an arrow that marked the team. Having the symbol was better for those not in direct command, so that it didn't clutter up the screen but still conveyed the information.
"I've created two channels, one for Blades and another for general coms. This way we can listen to the Princess's sappy words without anyone else listening. General coms will be for when we need to communicate with the Knights." Lexi said. "Ashley, you'll be Team A and Jill, you'll be Team B. Set your teams to have two channels, one for team communication and another for general coms. Remember to leave general coms free as much as possible."
"Understood, Third Blade," they answered.
"Just like First Blade has said, I want everyone to make it back so keep your eyes open. Team leaders will be coordinating with me, but remember to keep ears open for anything the other Blades may say."
As Lexi finished addressing the team leaders, Aurora saw a point light up on her HUD.
"I've sent you guys points where I want you to be around the two teams. Our main job is to make sure these guys get enough experience to lead soldiers once the Administration begins their recruiting." Lexi explained to the group.
"Understood Third Blade," Aurora and the others said.
Looking over at Lexi, Aurora saw Lexi signing to her, "Be alert and stay safe."
Aurora signed that she would and also signed back, "kiss."
Yazmin led the way to where they were assigned, which was to the right side of the two teams. Walking in a line, Team A and Team B were staggered to allow them clear sights. Those that used guns or rifles were on the outermost side while short-range weapons were on the inside.
Several cities were within a day's march. Lexi was informed that they were going to be assigned the larger city, while Zara and Xia went to the smaller one. Looking on the HUD, Aurora could see a dot that blinked intermittently.
Aurora wondered what they would encounter in the city they were marching towards. Would the people be grateful for their arrival or would they be met with anger and distrust? She thought back to how people had treated her before she had learned about the Creator. This time, she felt that there was strength inside of her and, also, she had her fellow Blades who were supporting her.