Garuda arc

Flashback: Two Hours earlier

Tenjin's office.

"You two want me to observe your training exercises?" Tenjin asked.

"Yeah! With the possibility of King Ogun betraying us and having to face the empire again in the future, we both realized that we have to move faster in order to get this team up and running. But since we know that you're always busy as a member of the Order so you don't have time to train the team yourself, I think it would be great for you to judge and see how we manage the group." Emilia said.

"It would also show you that if things went hairy you can count on Emilia as well to take charge if something were to happen to me. Until Jayden is ready himself to lead the team you'll need as many options available. And logically speaking, Emilia in my opinion is the next best candidate to take charge. She's served you for years as your lieutenant and has enough battle experience, she just needs the experience of a leader." Ziera said.

"And you both think this training exercise will Emilia here gain that experience?" Tenjin asked.

"We do." They said simultaneously.

"Please Tenjin. Just two hours of your time today?" Emilia asked.

Tenjin thought about it. It makes sense but he could tell there was more to it. He's known both of them too long to not see they are hiding something but he saw the merit in this project overall.

"Okay. You got it then. I'll observe." Tenjin said. Both Emilia and Ziera smiled at each other and then back at him.

"But I expect you two to keep those punks in line. This may be a training exercise but it'll be life or death when you are on a real mission in the future. Understood?" Tenjin asked

"Understood!" Ziera and Emilia said at the same time.

"Good. We'll tell the others then. But before that, Ziera, I'd like to speak to you alone for a minute. Do you mind?" Tenjin asked.

Ziera looks at Emilia. She was going to refuse but Emilia placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a sympathetic smile.

"It's okay. I'll wait in the hallway." Emilia said.

Ziera felt bad. This felt like another instance of Tenjin keeping something from Emilia and even ziera was sick of it. If Tenjin was going to tell her a secret regarding Emilia, she wasn't going to keep it for him. But regardless, Ziera gave a sad look and nodded. Emilia while still smiling, leaving Ziera and Tenjin alone in his office.

"So, mind telling me why you are interested in this training exercise?" Tenjin asked.

"I already told you. It's to help Emilia gain experience and improve our team." Ziera said.

"So it's just about helping Emilia to help the team? Or is there something else I'm missing?" Tenjin asked.

"Okay yeah it's for me too. It's no secret alright? I've been severely lacking as a leader these past two weeks. Henro almost got killed at the Azalea Forest, Jayden and Emilia nearly lost theirs against those dragons, and I almost ascended so many times and almost ruined everything. The truth is, I've been letting my past weigh me down for too long. I need to make a change. Not just for mine, but for everyone's sake." Ziera said.

"Okay. That wasn't so hard now was it?" Tenjin asked jokingly.

"Oh whatever. You're always so noisy." Ziera crossed her arms and huffed.

"It's my job to be nosy, kid. Especially when it comes to my people." Tenjin said.

"Yeah yeah." Ziera said as she was about to walk out but then stopped herself. "Tenjin?" Ziera asked.

"What's up?" Tenjin asked.

"Why didn't you make Emilia the leader of the team? I know I have the experience but you've known her far longer than me so why?" Ziera asked.

"No offense Ziera but that's something for Emilia to hear herself. I know you're looking out for her and I'm glad you are but just like there are things between us, that goes the same way between me and Emilia." Tenjin said.

Ziera wanted to keep poking at him for more answers but backed off. Emilia deserved to hear it first.

"Got it." Ziera said as she walked out.

Ziera left the office and walked into the hallway where she found Emilia waiting for her. She looked a bit down but Ziera walked up to her and brought up her chin with her hand.

"Hey, chin up! You won't get anywhere by acting like a worry wart understand? We're just getting started. So fix that smile and let's get these idiots in line alright?" Ziera asked sternly.

Emilia shook her head, clapped both her cheeks with her hands and got back her confident smile.

"OKAY!" Emilia said in her cheery voice. Ziera smiled.

"Atta girl!" Ziera said.

***

Two Hours Later

Present

Outside of the warship

Ziera and Emilia had taken their teams outside to different areas a few kilometers from the warship.

Without running the risk of Ryoka destroying the training room if not the whole ship, Ziera had personally built an obstacle course for both teams to complete. The course will have weapons, traps, sentry drones and holograms created by Ziera for both teams to face. But they can only pass the test if they work together.

Ziera's Team:

Suddenly both Jayden and Julia covered their ears when they heard a loud noise. It was from Ziera who reconfigured her hand into a giant horn.

And she was now wearing a military general's uniform with medals on the front and the hat on her head.

"Ten hut cadets! This isn't the same daycare you called a training course back at the academy! This obstacle course was designed by yours truly to help train and discipline you worthless good for nothings so that you could become the best of the best! The elites! When I'm done with you two, a fly won't even escape your line of sight. Or lack thereof. No offense Julia." Ziera said. Julia shrugged.

"None taken." Julia said.

"Now listen up you two! Let's get something straight so there's no misunderstanding. Today, I'm not your mother, your caretaker or your best friend! I'm your commanding officer! So when I give you an order you respond with yes sir or no sir! And I don't care if it's a holiday, your grandma's sick or if it's the end of the whole world! You don't rest, you blink, and you don't even fucking breathe unless I say so! When I'm done with you two you'll be the best goddamn soldiers the core could ask for! Fasten your seat belts lady and gentleman because your training starts here and now!" Ziera declared with a vicious grin.

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Jayden and Ziera stood in front of Ziera in silence. Jayden was terrified and Julia wore the same neutral expression as always.

"Sounds easy enough." Julia said.

"Man. Nothing phases you huh?" Jayden asked.

"I don't see why. This is par for the course of the training I received when I was a child. Though it was a lot more hitting than yelling." Julia said.

"Oh. Sorry?" Jayden asked.

"Don't be. I found it quit exhilarating. It takes me back to the days of my training with my master." Julia said.

"Still you are taking this really seriously huh Ziera?" Jayden asked.

"Damn right I am. I've been sucking as your leader for awhile now so it's time I got serious. And that means I'm not going easy on you anymore Jayden. You screw up again you're gonna wish you I never crashed into you back at Lockwood. Get me!?" Ziera asked in an angry tone.

"Yes ma'am!" Jayden stood in attention.

"She crashed into you?" Julia asked with intrigue.

"It's a long story." Jayden said.

"Well it doesn't sound much different from my first few encounters with Ryoka. Love works in mysterious ways." Julia said with a smile.

Both Jayden and Ziera blushed.

"Oh we're not in love. Me and Ziera are just friends." Jayden said with a blush.

"What did I just say huh!? What did I just say!? I am not your friend! And that's General Ziera to you! Give me 100 push-ups! Without ragnarok!" Ziera ordered with a flustered face.

"A hundred!? But what about the training cour-!?"

"Do your pushups or I will take your spine!" Ziera threatened.

"Yes, general!" Jayden shouted. He began doing multiple pushups.

"Faster! Come on, do it like your life depends on it!"

I'm pretty sure it does! Jayden thought.

"Fuck me. Knowing Ziera I knew this was gonna be painful. I hope Henro is having more fun than I am right now." Jayden said.

"Well he's with Ryoka. And knowing her..." Julia didn't finish.

"Knowing her..." Jayden began.

"He's not." They both said simultaneously. They both sighed. Feeling sorry for their friend.

***

Emilia's Team:

Emilia, Henro and Ryoka had reached the starting line of the obstacle course. Emilia was nervous but was ready to prove herself to Tenjin that she was worthy of his trust.

Now if only Henro and Ryoka could help make that possible.

Emilia stood there with a tired smile on her face as she witnessed Ryoka and Henro fighting each other. And by fighting, it was actually just Ryoka beating the shit out of Henro for 5 minutes. She was on top of his back and pulled up his head executing a camel clutch on him.

"Take it back, demon breath!" Ryoka demanded.

"I won't! You're still fat, fatty!" Henro coughed out.

That only made Ryoka angrier and pulled his head up higher. She is a tomboy and didn't mind shit talking but she still had her pride as a lady and felt insecure about her weight. Especially now that she was dating Julia.

"Okay. Then after I remove your head, I'm going to split your back open, pull out your spin, wrap it around your stupid face and swing your head around like a helicopter blade. Or maybe I'll just hang it on my wall and use it as my punching bag!? How does that sound akumera!" Ryoka said with a crazed look.

"Fuck you! Get off me you gorilla! You hungry hungry hippo! You fat fuck! Go eat your greens and get off-AAHH! You crazy bitch! LET GO OF MY EARS!" Henro demanded.

Emilia stood there with the same tired smiling expression.

Can't we all just get along? Emilia thought.

"Ryoka, please get off of Henro so we can get started okay? We won't get anywhere if you two keep fighting. You know that right?" Emilia asked.

Ryoka stopped pulling on Henro's head and looked at Emilia.

"He started it." Ryoka said.

"I don't really care who started it because I'm finishing it. This training exercise isn't just for me ya know? It's for all of us. King Ogun is planning to use both his top secret army and sacred relic to start a war with the empire. But it looks like he might be our enemy now too so we have to improve fast if we're going to survive this.

"Ha. Speak for yourself sweetheart. I've been winning wars since I first learned how to walk. I can take care of myself." Ryoka said.

"Well hate to break it to you but you aren't by yourself. You are a part of this team and whether you like it or not I'm in charge here so right now you listen to me. But if you wanna quit, that's fine by me. It would just mean that the rightful heir of Ifrit was too scared of doing a simple exercise and quit when things got hard. I don't think your people or girlfriend would take that very well would she?" Emilia asked sarcastically.

Ryoka was stunned at Emilia's words towards her. She then growled at Emilia but Emilia was not intimidated in the slightest.

"Hmph. Sweetheart pulled a dagger on me once and now thinks she's hot shit." Ryoka said in a draconian tongue.

"On the contrary I don't think that at all. But I do know that someone like you who's used to getting whatever she wants doesn't understand how things work around here. So I'll keep it simple. You lose the attitude, actually work with us and in return I help you lose that attitude of yours and help you reach your goals." Emilia said in Draconian tongue.

"You help me huh?" Ryoka asked in draconian.

"I swear on the pride of my people. Help me help you. That's what comrades do for each other. So do we understand each other? It's your move now. Sweetheart." Emilia said in draconian with a smile.

Ryoka stared at Emilia for a few seconds. She had many thoughts circulating in her head about this girl but groaned and gave in.

"Fine whatever." Ryoka got off of Henro. Henro had a sigh of relief.

"Hehe. She put your ass in check now." Henro snickered.

"Shut it! As long as I get to have my fun I'll do whatever." Ryoka shrugged.

"Thank you!" Emilia said. She put her hand out to Henro and helped him up to his feet. He smiled at Emilia.

"Thanks." Henro said.

"Of course! But hey your nose is bleeding are you okay? Emilia asked.

Henro quickly noticed and quickly wiped it away.

"Oh thanks but it's nothing." Henro said.

"Henro". Emilia said sternly.

"It's just a cold. Had a major headache last night. That's all." Henro said.

"Henro if you aren't feeling well-." Emilia began.

"No, it's okay. I know how important this is to you. I'll be fine." Henro said.

"Okay. But if something goes wrong tell me okay?"

Emilia asked.

"I will. I promise." Henro said with a smile. Emilia smiled. Satisfied with his answer.

What? Are they a thing after all? I suspected that Emilia had a crush on Jewel and then I'd have to fight her to the death for Jewel's hand. But maybe I looked too much into it?" Ryoka thought to herself.

"Ryoka." Emilia said, snapping the fire dragon-kin out to her daise. Emilia then took her own hands and clasped them with Ryoka's. Emilia looked up at Ryoka and said:

"Let's do our best together, Ryoka!" Emilia said with a bright blushing smile.

Ryoka was taken back by Emilia's words and pretty smile.

Wow. I always knew she was cute but wow...she's really pretty. She speaks draconian fluently and that's twice now she's told me off and gotten away with it. Only Jewel has ever done that. Huh. Okay Em, you had my curiosity at first but now you've got my attention. Let's see how long it lasts. Ryoka thought.

"Yeah. Let's!" Ryoka said back with a smirk.

***

The garuda that was spying on the republic warship had flown a good couple miles away to a large rocky mountain. Around the mountain were large holes that acted as entrances to enter deep inside. This mountain acted as the base to this warrior and his allies.

The warrior flew inside the mountain and landed. Inside were hundreds of garuda warriors flying around inside the mountain or on the ground. The warrior walked past his people to reach who would be in charge of this small army.

The warrior's superior was very tall. About 6'4. He was a middle aged man with dark brown hair and some grey hairs on his head. He was muscular, wore sleeveless black kevlar armor that went down to his waist, black pants, black gloves and had three green sharp facial markings on both sides of his cheeks. HE had his large green wings out as well.

The warrior took a knee and bowed to his superior.

"Sir, I have returned. What are your orders?" The warrior asked. The warrior's superior didn't turn to him. He only relaid his words.

"King Ogun is about to message us. Stand ready." The man said.

"Yes sir." The warrior replied.

The man set a circular metal object on the ground and it activated. It let out a huge hologram showing King Ogun.

"My liege." The man said as he and his soldier bowed.

"Albatross. I heard you had news for me?" Ogun asked.

"Yes. One of my spies has spotted a republic warship that entered your borders. This ship belongs to Tenjin Nakamura of the republic. And if he's there-." King Ogun interrupted him.

"Then so are Ragnarok and Ziera. Yes." King Ogun said.

"How would you like us to handle this my liege?" Albatross asked.

"Find and capture both Ziera and the ragnarok wielder. I no longer trust the Republic and I refuse to let them have both two key players that could determine the fate of this war and have them be used against us." Ogun said.

"I understand. But Tenjin is every bit as good as me. It won't be easy to capture them." Albatross said.

"Oh I'm sure a man of your talents will do fine. Do whatever it takes to complete your mission. As the leader of my shadow army, I pray that you do not fail me. Is that understood?" Ogun asked threateningly.

"Yes of course." Albatross responded.

"Good. And I promise you, when we win this war against Zenal, the Garuda tribe will reclaim the skies that so rightfully belong to them." Ogun said.

"Thank you my liege. We will return to you both the ragnarok wielder and Ziera without fail." Albatross bowed.

King Ogun's hologram turned off, leaving both albatross and his spy alone in the room.

"But sir. Forgive my impudence but what about princess Emilia? If Tenjin is there then-."

"Then we'll deal with her too. After all, I never saw that brat worthy enough to lead us. The Garuda tribe needs a strong leader in order to reclaim the skies from the avian tribe. And with King Ogun's help, I will reclaim those skies for all of us. No matter the cost." Albatross said.