[Ties] Bootcamp 10

Two years later.

A lot has happened since then. Malachi, Arlianne, and Axel kept their promises to work on preparing for the academy—at home and at the arena—and the three of them have come a long way.

For Arlianne, her upper limit had already gone past 40 kilometers, while Malachi had become able to jog one full lap around the Eskur Village. As for Axel, with the field in the arena as a measure, he had become able to last for 120 laps around the 400-meter track. Afterwards, Malachi had added handicaps such as weights and obstacles to their training while maintaining stamina and endurance training, and adding flexibility and agility training, sit-ups, pushups, and other exercises to their menu. So to speak, Arlianne and Axel had gotten used to Malachi's lead that they had visibly improved since then.

Arlianne, especially, had her body develop because of puberty. While her body was not that toned nor chiseled despite their exercises, there were no traces of unneeded fat, and thus gave her a lithe figure at 14 years old. Malachi's body had become lean as well. He didn't have a large and stocky build, but was evenly distributed across his body. At 12 years old, he had begun his puberty, and a lot of his features began to develop—his height, especially, as he was beginning to catch up to Arlianne's. Axel, though, at 10 years old, his build became similar to Arlianne's lithe body but also had similarities to Malachi's lean body type. A little bit of both.

While the children were training, with them were the two soldiers assigned to oversee their training by Axton the Arena Chief. Whenever these two were bored, they would train together with the children and learn bits of information from Malachi with regards to the exercises they were doing. Over time, though, a question did come up with regards to Malachi. It was about his goggles that he had never took off ever since they had met. Malachi briefly answered that his eyes were hypersensitive to the light, and he would turn blind in daylight.

Apart from those, Malachi had also learned much from Bashia and Ibrahim's Eskur knowledge with regards to medicines. There had been times when Malachi had connected some medicines to Earth's own medicines. From the sources, to how they were manufactured, many had similarities. However, since Malachi had no knowledge in making Earth's medicines, he couldn't do much to improve the kingdom's technology on health. All he could do was take to heart what he learned from compounding medicines with the Eskur kinsmen.

Malachi's life wasn't the only one that changed. The kingdom's and the world's international political and economic arena had moved from time to time as well. Wars were fought by the Empire of Taijun within its boundaries, and Clan Skali showed movement by devouring some scattered Merekan nations. The other sovereign bodies of the world and the nomadic tribes weren't lifeless. More deposits of the much needed "cites" were found here and there, and the Kingdom of Perlas had successfully established small glacite and electrocite farms within its borders.

As such, new technologies surged forth and improved much of everyone's lives. Be it everyday civilian life or specialized military equipment. All the more for the kingdom's military since Malachi had received from Emmanuel and Gregory the designs of the Kingdom's current technology. From there he pointed out design flaws before a Prince and a Phoenix for them to keep in mind for the future. With each flaw, he gave out advice on how to turn those flaws into strengths, if possible, or to get rid of them completely.

Malachi had also presented to Gregory designs of weapons from Earth, as much as he could recall. The designs he gave for the vehicles were mostly post World War II designs where much of modern Earth's weapons stemmed from. Even with the existence of electrocite, Malachi had told them that computers would still be a pipe dream unless he gets the much needed minerals to build the needed components to build better weapons. As far as conventional designs went, the best that he could improve on were the Kingdom's hand-carried firearms. From phasing out the lunky fusils and pistol cannons, to bringing over an era of mechanical firearms—automatic weapons, large caliber rifling, autocannons, gatlings, and the like.

Of course, much of these were still on paper, as neither Emmanuel nor Gregory had an inkling nor an understanding how the principles worked. They needed to wait until Malachi had enrolled so they could pull all the stops hindering themselves from seeing Malachi's visions come to fruition. Naturally, these "stops" were Bashia. It would seem that she was the sole perpetrator in preventing the "men," aside from Ibrahim, from carrying out their plans.

Speaking of men and women, Bashia and Arlianne had been going off on their own during their free time. At times, they would shop for clothes and accessories. Other times, they would visit the market and inns for food and recipes. Malachi had thought that women, no matter where, would do such things given the opportunity. Be it back on Earth or here in this world. Additionally, the variety of Arlianne's clothes had increased. While the girl, herself, thought it as burdensome, Bashia repeatedly insisted on it, often times turning Arlianne into a dress up doll. Whenever Malachi came across such a session, Bashia would ask for his opinion, and he would just quietly stare at Arlianne for a while before leaving.

Bashia would be annoyed, but seeing Arlianne's reaction and Malachi's new expressions would leave her relieved. Arlianne, having been stared at by Malachi with unfamiliar expressions, would flush just like any other girl. Arlianne's clothes, coupled with her body, would exhibit a "refreshing" appearance. A deadly combination for some men. Some, including Malachi who had inherited Bashia's taste for "some things".

All the while, a myriad of events played out. Whether they were aware of it or not, only time would tell if they will ever be affected by such things. For now, at present, Malachi and company stood before a company of soldiers competing in the arena. It was the time of the ever popular Martial Competition held in the capital city.

...

"This is our second time watching, no?" said Arlianne, "It's always such an amazing sight even though we've seen it before. Who do you think will take the top spot this time?"

Malachi, Arlianne, and Axel were together as usual, and were seated side by side at the arena seats. Each and every other person in the audience around them were cheering for their respective groups. While there were cheering, one would notice a few people here and there exchanging money for bets. Wherever there is a contest, gambling was almost always present. As such, even Axel made bets as to who would win the present competition.

"I believe the members of the 3rd Regiment of the Border Guards will win." replied Axel, "They're one of the most battle-hardened groups in the military. All of the people posted at the borders had already been through a few skirmishes despite the peace we currently have."

"Maybe for the squad-based competitions, sure." added Malachi, "However, for individual combat, the 1st Engineers should be able to take home the crown. If not them, the Royal Guards should sweep away the competition. Engineers have powerful bodies that could blow away an opponent effortlessly, but the Royal Guards that are tasked with protecting the Royal Family should live up to their name as the so-called Wall of Thorns."

"Individual competition, huh?" repeated Axel, "When you put it like that, I may have to agree. But what about the Intelligence Division? They seem to be able to hold down both pretty well."

"Oh, right. That." said Malachi, "The special division Prince Elijah established, right? I haven't seen nor heard much from and about them to conclude anything, though. Don't they almost always stay in the shadows?"

"Well, since they are part of the military, I'd thought that they'd participate." clarified Axel, "Although, since they are a special group, it wouldn't be surprising if they didn't, no?"

Just then, they heard the bugle resound over the distance. This called the attention of all to focus at the prime terrace in the arena. The terrace where the King and his family would be watching from.

At the terrace, out came King Eleazar Arkansius Perlas, and behind him followed Princes Emmanuel and Elijah. Eleazar wore the same silver vestments, while Emmanuel and Elijah wore military uniforms of their status. Right after the princes, the two Royal Phoenixes strode forth after—Royal Phoenix Grigorio Perez, and the other Royal Phoenix subordinate to Elijah.

Eleazar, Emmanuel, and Elijah sat on their respective seats, Grigorio stood a bit behind Emmanuel, and the other Royal Phoenix went behind Elijah. Everyone present waited with bated breath for Eleazar to officially start the competition.

Eleazar swept his glance all over the arena, Emmanuel and Elijah, too. Emmanuel looked around until his gaze stopped at a certain place amongst the audience. He was looking Malachi and Arlianne. His two children also locked gazes with him, and both nodded in acknowledgement. Malachi, however, noticed someone else looking at them. Going unnoticed by Emmanuel, Elijah also looked at Malachi's direction. Not Malachi himself, specifically, but at Axel.

Elijah glanced a bit and found Arlianne looking at his direction, not at Eleazar, but at Emmanuel. Never mind Malachi's line of sight since he wore a pair of tinted goggles. Malachi tugged at Arlianne a bit, and the girl broke eye contact with the people at the terrace. Elijah also broke off eye contact since Axel didn't react to him. Malachi noticed this, though.

'Now, why would Uncle look at Axel?' he wondered, 'Do they know one another?'

Malachi glanced at Axel beside him eating the packed snacks they bought beforehand. Axel didn't seem to notice the Royal Siblings gazing at their direction, and just ate his snacks.

'I must be imagining it.' he concluded.

Eleazar suddenly stood up, and all attention went to him. He approached and stood before the edge of the terrace.

"I will not say much." he said with his voice reverberating over the arena with help of the vocal transceivers erected all over the place, "All I want is for all participants to give it all they've got. With pride, and with honor... Let the Martial Competition officially begin!"

The crowd cheered, and the drums and bugles went off to open the competition.

"That was... anticlimactic." commented Malachi, "I didn't think it'd be the same one as last year, is he running out of creativity?"

"Shush, Malachi." said Arlianne, "King Eleazar is already old. Did you really expect him to make a long speech just to start the event?"

"Aren't all old people long-winded windbags?" wondered Malachi, "He pretty much ruined my image of a long-winded elder."

Eleazar took a few steps back, and took his seat. Now, all the people present focused on enjoying the competition.

...

"Ooh, that's gotta hurt." commented Axel, "Wasn't that a foul blow?"

"If this was a real fight, Axel, there wouldn't be any 'foul' blows." replied Malachi, "Okay, there's the foul report. That took a few points off their score."

The event they were currently watching was the squad-based matches. A participant from one team delivered a swing of his fusil to the groin of another. A low blow, so to speak. The one that got hit couldn't handle the pain that exploded and collapsed on the spot while holding his crotch. The victim twitched in pain and had to be carried out by the orderlies. As for the one that did the hit, he was disqualified, and was abandoned by his teammates to receive a stern sermon from their Commanding Officer.

"Sucks for both of them." commented Malachi, "Image is everything in this competition, and that deed just ruined their public opinion. As for the other guy, his family jewels may no longer be as effective anymore."

" 'Family jewels'?" repeated Axel, "What are those?"

"Just euphemism, my dear Axel." replied Malachi, "No need to think too deeply on it."

Arlianne listened to their exchange and just blushed. She seemed to realize what Malachi was talking about.

Suddenly, Malachi's expression turned strange.

'What the... Where'd this headache come from?' he thought as he held his head.

"Hmm? Malachi? Is something wrong?" asked Axel, "Hey, does your head hurt?"

"Urgh, I suddenly have a slight headache..." replied Malachi, "I think I'll be well after drinking some water."

Malachi reached for the tin cup of water before him, but paused momentarily. The water in his cup formed small ripples. Malachi looked around to see if there was anything that made the ripples form, and found no one making excessive actions that would make the cup shake a bit.

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'These are...' he momentarily thought, 'No, it can't be... Must be just my imagination.'

He reached for his cup and drank all of the water in it. However, even after a few moments later, his headache didn't cease.

"Argh, excuse me for a moment." said Malachi's he stood up.

"Malachi?" wondered Arlianne, "Need help?"

"No, no need." he answered, "I'll just be taking a small break in a restroom."

Before he could leave them, though, a flock of large birds flew overhead the arena. Everyone who was in the middle of watching stopped to look at the strange sight. The flock of birds had wholly black feathers, and were as large as a full-grown man.

"What the?" said a person, "That's a large flock of garudas, did they come from a nearby mountain?"

"Looking at where they flew from, I'd say you're right." said another person, "The nearest mountain is the plateau nearby."

Malachi was also watching the flock of garudas fly overhead. Garudas were one of many beasts that occasionally needed culling to control their population. Large winged beasts that take anything smaller than them as prey, and were known to have abducted people before. Seeing a large group fly overhead naturally stalled the people in the arena.

Malachi still held his head, still in pain. He trudged on for the exit, but suddenly stopped to see a chandelier hanging above his head make small swaying motions.

"Oh, crap." he cursed, "Arlianne! Axel! Get to cove—"

Before he could finished his cry, a low rumble erupted from beneath and shook the surrounding area. What Malachi wanted to warn them about was a coming earthquake. The arena shook and toppled many of those who were standing. The sudden event threw the people into a panic, and all those who could stand ran for their lives.

"Dammit!" cried Malachi, "Arlianne! Axel!"

Malachi's small body fought through the tides of stampeding people in hopes of reaching the other two. As for the rest, the soldiers especially, had to keep everyone calm. However, seeing that this was their first time in an earthquake, they were at a loss on what to do.

Amongst those in the arena, Eleazar stood, albeit uneasily, and grabbed hold of the vocal receiver.

"All of you calm down!" he bellowed, "Stop running, and get down on the ground!"

Without any explanation, all of the people dropped on the ground as ordered. Malachi was shocked at Eleazar's charisma in forcing the people to obey him. He watched as waves of people subsequently dropped onto the ground, and finally found Arlianne and Axel hugging one another. Seeing that they were safe, Malachi approached them while the ground shook.

"Are you all right?" inquired Malachi, "Good thing the quake was a bit weaker than I expected."

"Malachi!?" cried Arlianne, "Earthquake? What did you mean?"

"I thought I was imagining things, but the headache I had was a sign of a coming quake." he answered, "I also saw minute ripples being formed on the water. The escaping garudas were one thing, but that swaying chandelier affirmed my guess. For now, let's keep our heads low until the shaking stops."

Just as he finished saying so, the shaking stopped, and the surroundings were calm. Eleazar spoke once more.

"All arena personnel, escort the citizens to safety." he ordered, "For the engineers, survey the area and give me a damage report. Ensure that none of the structures are damaged and block all dangerous passages. All the rest, remain on standby. I suspect that there will be another quake sooner or later. Deliver the same instructions to the rest of the city."

All personnel involved affirmed Eleazar's orders. Emmanuel looked towards the audience seats, towards where Malachi and the rest were. Elijah, as well, looked at the same location. The two of them found Malachi embracing both Axel and Arlianne, trying his hardest to keep them calm. Relieved that they were safe, both spoke to their respective Phoenixes to give out orders.

"Gregory, think you could get the kids to safety?" inquired Emmanuel, "Looking at how Elijah is acting, he seems worried about his child. Although there is little risk of him finding out about Malachi, I can't help but worry."

Gregory glanced over Malachi's location.

"Hmm, this is gonna be tricky." he commented, "I may have to use a roundabout way to get to them, just to avoid suspicion."

"It doesn't matter." said Emmanuel, "If father is right, this is just a foreshock meant to announce the main earthquake. We can't risk dallying too much since we don't have a clue when the next quake will hit."

Emmanuel glanced at Elijah, and found that the other Phoenix finished receiving his orders. Emmanuel watched him leave first before urging Gregory to do the same.

"Your Majesty, let us get to safety for the time being." advised Emmanuel, "Leave this place to Elijah and I."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I agree with Emmanuel." affirmed Elijah, "The people will be relieved if they are able to see you well."

Eleazar nodded to his two sons, and left the terrace. Once the two brothers are alone, they looked at one another.

"I know your child is here, Elijah." said Emmanuel, "For the time being, let us work together to stave off any disaster falling upon our people."

Elijah silently stared at Emmanuel for a while before speaking.

"I won't forgive you if any harm befalls my child due to your actions." declared Elijah, "However, am I right to believe you have a child here as well?"

Emmanuel remained silent, his expression was the same as before. Neither fearful nor shocked.

'Did he notice Malachi and Arlianne locking gazes with me?' he thought, 'I doubt about Malachi since he's wearing his goggles, but Arlianne...'

Emmanuel didn't answer Elijah.

"Well, no matter." said Elijah, "Just this once, I will help you get the children to safety. Seeing as they are... friends... with one another."

Emmanuel let out a deep sigh.

"Let us not have our children get into our fight for the throne." declared Emmanuel, "You should know that I loved my nieces, I hope you'd find it in your heart to do the same."

Elijah was silent, but revealed a smile.

"For now, Emmanuel." he said, "For now."

...

"Come on, let's get out of here while the quake has stopped." said Malachi, "Come on, Arlianne, Axel."

Malachi helped the two on their feet. Arlianne and Axel, unused to experiencing earthquakes, wobbled on their legs. With Malachi as their support, they struggled to walk towards a nearby exit.

However, it didn't seem thaf earthquakes were their only worry.

"Hey! What's going on in the field?" shouted a person, "There's a mound forming!"

With the person's announcement, everyone nearby turned to look. The soldiers on the field saw the growing mound, and an officer with a falcon crest shouted in alarm.

"Fire Ants! Fire Ants emerging!" shouted the officer, "All Fusiliers and Engineers, prepare to repel the beasts!"

"Fire Ants!? Underneath the city!?" cried another person, "A nest must have been built without our knowledge!"

Chaos enveloped the arena once more, and an eight to ten-meter crimson ant emerged from underground. The fire ant looked no different from ordinary ants, but its carapace had a fiery red gleam.

"Snip, snip." went its incisors.

The first fire ant to emerge scanned the surroundings, and found a large group of soldiers taking aim at its body.

"Fire!" bellowed an officer.

"BANG! BANG! BANG!"

"BABABANG! BABABANG!"

Gunshots roared in the middle of the field, and the bullets landed on the fire ants carapace. Sadly, not all shots penetrated the armor, and most were deflected away. Soon, a grind of a large gate opening was heard, and a squad of steam knights trudged forward carrying massive blast hammers.

"Smash it to bits!" roared an engineer.

The fire ant, seeing that it was surrounded, raised its antennae and did a strange gesture. Soon, more mounds emerged from the ground, and a large army of ants flooded the field. The first wave immediately turned on their backsides and had their abdomens point towards the soldiers.

"Damn! Take cover!" roared a solider.

Soon, fire spewed out of the abdomens, creating a wave of fire raging towards the soldiers. The each stream of flames reached a distance of ten meters and spread out like a cone. The steam knights that had gone to the front deployed their shields, and the unarmored soldiers hid behind the knights.

"Someone flank the bastards!" cried a soldier.

As though someone heard his plea, gunshots roared from another direction. A group of engineers with repeaters appeared from the audience seats and laid down fire upon the fire ants. Having been shot at, the ants' turned their attention to the reinforcing engineers, giving the ones on the field some space to breathe.

...

"Damn! This is the worst." cursed Malachi, "Come on, we need to get out of here!"

Malachi pulled both Arlianne and Axel who had gone frozen due to fear away from the arena. They passed by squads and platoons of soldiers that were to reinforce the presently fighting units within. Soon, they were about to reach the entrance.

But it would seem that their luck did not last.

A mound formed before them, and the head of a fire ant popped out. Malachi and the rest had to stop before it unless they risk harm to fall upon them.

"Oh, dammit all!" cried Malachi, "I could use a battle rifle right now! Let's get away from here!"

Dragging away Arlianne and Axel, Malachi went to another direction while looking for soldiers.

"Hey! There's an ant in the southern entrance!" he shouted, "That way is no good!"

Soon, a large man crossed their path, and the man had eyes filled with surprise.

"Little ones!" cried the man, "Are you kids okay?"

"Chief Axton!" cried Malachi, "Get some soldiers to the southern entrance, an ant emerged there!"

"Will do, you guys, get rid of the ant!" he ordered a few of the soldiers with him, "Come, let us go somewhere safe."

Malachi and the rest joined Axton the Arena Chief, and went anywhere safe. Rather, it would seem that the safest was with soldiers. They were being escorted by a small squad of Fusiliers and Engineers with repeaters towards another arena entrance.

Suddenly, Malachi had another headache.

"Oh, no." he groaned, "Another quake is gonna hit!"

Like a prophet, the chandeliers overhead shook and swayed. Soon, the earth rumbled, and all those who stood or ran toppled over. The ants were seemingly unaffected, and those in steam knight equipment had trouble staying upright.

"I gotta hand it to the architects of this place." commented Malachi, "Not one wall nor ceiling collapsed."

"Yeah, that's good and all, but those ants are still chasing us!" screamed Axel, "Shoot it! Shoot it!"

The soldiers who were still struggling to get up, panicked at the sight of a charging fire ant. Once the fire ant was within range of its flamethrower, a Fusilier got up and shot the fire ant's abdomen. A lucky shot that penetrated the carapace and whatever seemed to be producing the flames. The fire ant's abdomen buldged, and exploded subsequently.

Seeing this, the escort cheered, but their happiness was short-lived when three more ants appeared from a corner.

"Ah, hell!" cursed Axton, "We need a siege engine in here!"

"Too late for that, chief!" cried a soldier, "More ants incoming! Guah!"

The soldier was suddenly impaled from the side. A large ant pierced him with its massive incisors, and tossed away the dead soldier's corpse. Axton, in a panic, pushed Malachi and the others away into another corridor.

"Run, kids! Find safety somewhere else!" bellowed Axton, "You damned ants won't be killing anymore of us!"

Axton grabbed a fusil, and fought against the waves of fire ants in the corridor.

"Run, Malachi!" he screamed.

Malachi did as he was told, and pulled Arlianne and Axel.

"Goddammit, you two!" he cursed, "Snap out of it and run!"

Malachi slapped both Arlianne and Axel back to reality.

"Ah!" cried Arlianne, "Malachi, what...?"

"Ow!?" cried Axel, "What the...?"

Malachi shook both of them. The severity in his expression cleared out their minds.

"Life in danger." he said, "Run!"

---

A/N: What? Did you think I'd spend another five to ten chapters writing down what happened in two years? Get real.