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Chapter 6: Duel with You

Sol, Karisha and Haelas are currently sitting idly outside Haelas' abode waiting for sun to set. While watching the empty road in front of them, they heard the sound of horses approaching.

"Haelas, it seems that we have guests today," Karisha commented .

"Hmm. We are not expecting anyone though."

"A patient maybe. The Healers' Center is near us," Sol assumed.

After staring at the road for a while, the 'guests' appeared. One is wearing Midnight-Blue colored robes, other one is wearing Cyan colored Robes and the other is wearing Yellow-colored robes. All of their tresses were let loose.

As they get closer, they look more and more familiar.

"Haelas!" the one in yellow robes shouted as he threw the lead of the horse to his companion in Cyan robes, then he jumped and rushed towards Haelas.

Haelas was shocked and curious at the same time that he stood up and went to meet the one who called his name. Sol and Karisha followed suit.

"Sir Braegen? What are you doing here?" Haelas asked in disbelief.

Ka-el gave him a tight hug before he answered his question.

"Well, we are here because of Captain Karsh's creepy behavior."

"Sir Braegen!" Tobias called him out in a serious tone, signaling him to behave himself.

Tobias approached them as Dorn held the leads of the three horses.

"Good afternoon, Captain Karsh!" The aspirants greeted him with Sol obviously hiding from the Captain. The embarrassment from giving pink orchids to the Captain hasn't died down yet.

"Good afternoon."

"What brings you here, Captain?" Karisha asked.

He didn't answer and went closer to Sol and reached to touch the healing bruise on her cheek; and asked them, "How are your wounds?"

Sol froze. The people around them gasped but they kept their silence.

A 'Tobias' doesn't do things like that.

"Uh-we..we are all fine Captain. The bruises and scars will heal in a month," Haelas responded.

"That's good to know."

Tobias then reached into his pocket. After which, he held his arm in the air and presented the necklace with the smiling sun pendant.

"Oh!" Sol immediately reacted and reached for it. Before she could grab it, Tobias clasped it in his palm.

"It's the necklace that made Sol cry," Haelas exclaimed. Sol gave him a look to shut up.

"Is this yours, Aspirant Moraii?"

"Yes, Captain. I lost it at the place where we fought Aspirant Alkus. I never thought that you found it and brought it to me."

"I didn't purposely brought it here. I have a prior appointment here so I stopped by. Don't get mistaken."

"Yes, Captain."

"Before I give it to you, let me ask you some questions."

"What is it, Captain?"

"Who gave this to you? Is it the... Young Miss?"

At the mention of the Young Miss, all of them looked at the two in curiosity. The Young Miss refers to the daughter of the Supremo.

Sol froze on the spot. She didn't know how to answer it.

"Ah. No Captain," she answered after calming herself.

A hint of disbelief and disappointment crossed Tobias' eyes.

"Then, who?"

" I don't really know Captain. Maybe my Mom. I don't know Captain. Maybe, my mom."

Tobias stared at her.

"Who really gave this to you?"

"Captain, it's my mom," she said in a firmer tone.

"When did you have this?"

"I don't know, Captain. I have it since I'm a child."

"Basically, you're saying that you don't know anything about this necklace and you're claiming that it's yours?"

"I guess you're right, Captain."

Tobias gave one last look at her before he slid back the necklace in his pocket and started to walk towards Haelas' home.

"Captain?" uttered Sol. With no response from the official, she called out him again, "Captain! The necklace!.."

No response. Ka-el, Haelas and Karisha watched Tobias as he walked away ignoring Sol.

"I believe that he doesn't have any intention to give the necklace back," Ka-el commented.

"Then why would he come here, Sir; if he wouldn't give it back?" Haelas asked.

"Right," Karisha agreed.

"He just wants Sol to answer his questions truthfully," Dorn chimed in.

"But Sir, I already answered him ," Sol argued.

"'I don't know' is not the answer he wants," Dorn said and started to walk towards Haelas' home.

"Captain, I'm challenging you into a duel! If I win, give back the necklace!!" Sol suddenly shouted.

"Huh?!" Ka-el exclaimed.

"Sol!!!" Haelas and Karisha exclaimed at her. Nobody should challenge their superior and or senior.

Sol gave a nervous laugh, "He didn't hear that right?"

"I really hope so," Ka-el stated nervously, and continued, "You see, Captain Karsh could be kind sometimes but I don't think he would be too kind when he's being challenged."

"Oh no!" Haelas and Karisha exclaimed as they held their palm on their faces and they nervously await for what may unfold.

Upon hearing Sol's challenge, Tobias and Dorn stopped. Dorn looked at Tobias. His eyebrows started meeting each other. His jaw twitching. His eyes were frozen. He then turned around and started to walk back towards Sol.

"Tobias!" Dorn called him with his name, seriously inferring him to calm down.

However, Tobias ignored Dorn, which he rarely does, and continued to walk. Dorn hurriedly led the horses towards the stable.

Upon arrival, Tobias looked at Sol strangely and deathly, as if he's asking her to take back such daring request to a superior.

"Heavens! It's the stare of death," Ka-el whispered.

Ka-el held his sword just in case something will happen.

" What did you say? " Tobias asked in a serious tone.

"Ca-Captain, calm down. I made a bet with her. She'll win if she challenges you with such a bold request ," Ka-el said to Tobias with a nervous smile, lying to defend Sol.

"Captain, Aspirant Moraii is just playing around. She doesn't really mean it," Haelas said as he taps Sol's shoulders heavily trying to signal her to recall her challenge.

"Yes Captain, Sol has been strangely crazy lately. Please have mercy on her," Karisha seconded.

"Crazy? I'm not crazy," Sol whispered to Karisha.

Sol wanted to recall what she said as she knew that she will lose the fight with one strike but she really wanted the necklace back. Maybe he'll have mercy on her when he sees that she's desperate. She then boldy looked at Tobias.

"It may be a bold request Captain, but I would like to challenge you into a duel. Let's fight Captain, maybe I'll win. And if I win, kindly give back the necklace to me without asking questions anymore."

There was silence as if a ghost passed by.

Tobias stared at Sol. Her windows to her soul are steadfast. There's no hint of arrogance and she noticed her hands are trembling.

"If you're lucky," Tobias said after a while and held his sword.

Ka-el moved closer to Sol and gave her his sword.

"That's a real sword, what if Sol gets injured?" Haelas whispered to Karisha.

Karisha didn't answer as she went deaf because of her loud heartbeats. She's so nervous for her friend.

" Captain, she's way out of your league. Go easy on her, " Ka-el seriously reminded his friend.

"Captain, You can cripple him but please don't kill her," Haelas begged Tobias in a lighter tone.

"How can you have time to joke? This is a serious matter," Karisha scolded Haelas who knocked the ground three times in order to recall what he had said (in order for what he said not to come true).

Tobias and Sol moved out of the road towards the vacant lot covered in verdant green grass.

Sol started the offense and Tobias immediately defended himself. The duel ensued.

On the sideline, Ka-el, Haelas and Karisha were watching keenly.

"I hope no one will get injured," Karisha murmured.

"I hope Captain Karsh will really go easy on her," Haelas muttered.

"Why did she have to challenge him when she knew that he's impressive?" Ka-el asked.

"Maybe that necklace is too precious to her," Dorn, who arrived late, chimed in.

The sudden addition of a new voice to their focus made their heart skipped a beat.

."You're gonna give me a heart attack! Make a noise when you're approaching us," Ka - El complained, as he pounds his chest upon the surprise.

"My bad."

"I so want to hit you for once. And if that necklace is too precious to her, we can just steal it from Captain Karsh."

"Then you try."

Ka-el just let out a fake laugh.

"What am I saying? I would be dead even before I could steal it," Ka-el muttered in frustration.

"Why sir?" Haelas asked in curiosity.

"That's how impressive he is."

Then a sound of a sword thrown to the ground was heard, bringing their focus from the conversation towards the duel.

It's Sol's sword.

They thought that it's the end of the duel but it's not. Sol picked her sword and attacked Captain Karsh.

The audience harshly sighed at the determination of Sol.

"Can you two just tell your friend to end the duel? We all know the result," Ka-el commented.

"Unfortunately sir, if she's set on her goal, her friends' advice is useless," Haelas said.

The sun is almost setting down and the duel is still on going.

"When will they stop? I feel tired even from just watching them. It's almost sundown, are they not hungry?" Ka-el asked, complaining.

"I wonder if food can stop her," Haelas commented.

"Oh. Bingo!" Ka-el exclaimed, thinking that what Haelas said is a good idea, "No one can resist delicious food. What is her favorite dish? Cook it for her."

"Sir, it's chicken in soybean sauce and pineapple juice. It's another variation of chicken in soybean sauce," Karisha answered.

Ka-el and Dorn looked at each other in disbelief.

"What's wrong sir?" Karisha asked them.

"That dish is also Captain Karsh's favorite," Dorn answered.

"Then it's killing two birds with one stone!! Then, please excuse us sir, we're going to cook that dish right now so that we may all be at peace."

"Go on," Ka-el said.

Haelas pulled Karisha towards their home to prepare the dish. His mother is still at the Healer's Center so they have no choice but to prepare it themselves.

"Is Aspirant Moraii really skilled? She was able to defend Herself well from Tobias' attacks," Ka-el commented.

"She has raw skills. And she needs to cultivate it well. She is only able to defend herself well because Tobias is going easy on her."

"Is that so? I'm relieved. I thought he's really going to put her in place. So, is he just playing her? That would really hurt her pride. Wouldn't that make our friend a bad guy?"

"From what I see, Tobias is teaching her rather than fighting her. Didn't you notice? Tobias kept using the same offensive and defensive technique until Aspirant Moraii could retract it. After which, he will use another technique and the cycle continues."

"Dorn, you really have such keen observation," Ka-el said and stared at Tobias and Sol.

"That's why there's really no exhaustion on their faces. They seem calm like they're enjoying their duel-what?! Then that means, we are here worrying about her fate but they're actually having fun? They're making a fool out of us."

"However, my observation might be wrong," Dorn said, calming him down.

Ka-el calmed him down.

"You keep playing with my emotions. Let's just wait for the dish to be cooked. I hope it will work," Ka-el said as he laid down on the ground, tired of watching the duel.

After about an hour, Haelas and Karisha brought the dish towards them. Karisha opened the lid of the pot and let the heavenly scent of the dish filled the air.

Sol, who was concentrating to retract Tobias' deceptive techniques, was unable to grip her sword tightly when the scent of her favorite dish filled her senses.

"Chicken in Soybean sauce with pineapple juice?! Arrgghhhh!" she uttered while watching Tobias for his next move.

On the other hand, Tobias also has a hard time concentrating. He is even thinking of giving that necklace to her so that he could taste his favorite dish.

After several minutes of just walking in circles trying to find an opening for the attack, Sol gave up.

"Captain, we can continue the duel tomorrow because I can't wait for tomorrow to eat the dish that they prepared."

"After all the fuss of challenging me? You are quickly admitting your defeat now?"

Sol gave a boyish grin.

"Captain, I'm only admitting my defeat temporarily."

After a long moments of silence, Tobias put back his sword on its scabbard.

"Shouldn't you apologize? It is rude to challenge your senior and your superior."

Sol gave another boyish grin again.

"Captain, it is rude for me to challenge you and I deeply apologize for that. However, shouldn't you also apologize to me as well sir?"

"For what?"

"For not returning the necklace to its owner."

Tobias stared at her and walked towards Ka-el and the others without saying anything.

"Captain!" Sol could only exclaim in frustration, "My necklace...How can I get you back? Moreover, how can they let me smell the scent of my favorite dish while I'm still in the middle of the duel?"

The group then walked towards Haelas' home to have their dinner. Sol and Tobias were focused on savoring their favorite dish as their friends watched them with amusement.

"Haelas, you said that the necklace in Captain Karsh's possession made Aspirant Moraii cry...why is that so?" Ka-el inquired. He started letting go of formalities and just straight up call Haelas with his name.

"I don't know sir. She doesn't remember who gave it to her and when it was given to her. All she knew is that she felt that that necklace is precious to her. When she realized that she lost the necklace, even in our pained state, we immediately went back to that battleground and searched for it for several hours. Sol gave up when it's already sundown."

"You hear that Captain Tobias Karsh? Just give it to her," Ka-el urged his friend.

Silence. Sol and Tobias are focused on having their meal.

"I can't believe he chose that chicken over me," Ka-el could only say.

"Just eat," Dorn said to Ka-el.

XXX

When Haelas' parents arrived, who are both healers , his mother insisted for the defenders to rest in their abode instead of going to an inn as it is quite far. The defenders, not to be rude and beaten by the continuous journey, decided to stay. With the limited rooms, Karisha and Sol are together in one room; Haelas and Ka-el in another; and Dorn and Tobias are in the last one.

At Tobias and Dorn's room, Ka-el joined them for a chat over tea before retiring for the night.

"By the way Captain, do you personally know the Young Miss? You asked Aspirant Moraii earlier if the Young Miss gave the necklace to her," Dorn stated.

Tobias was thrown off guard. He cursed inside for not being careful. If his connection with the Young Miss will be revealed, it will be like seizing his breath.

"Of course he has. He must have met the Young Miss when he went to have dinner with the Supremo. The perks of being the no. 1. I'm definitely jealous!" Ka-el chimed in, unknowingly saving Tobias.

"Hm. I saw the same necklace on the Young Miss. Seeing that Aspirant Moraii seemed to really own the necklace, it must be a trend for the daughters of the higher-ups."

Dorn looked at Tobias as if trying to read if he's stating the truth or not. His eyes are unsteady and is not making an eye contact. He knew that Tobias is lying.

"Then, maybe you should really return it to her, Captain. She seemed liked she really want the necklace back," Dorn said.

"Mm."

Tobias then reached towards his pocket and clasped the necklace.

Aspirant Moraii seemed like she really don't know how the necklace went to her. If she didn't get it from the Young Miss, then how did the necklace ended up with her? Did the jeweler made more of that necklace behind my back?

"Also," Ka-el said breaking the silence, "Tobias, you seem to be a lot tolerant to Aspirant Moraii. She has been messing with you but you became diplomatic. What's the deal with her?"

"What do you suggest I should do?" Tobias countered, avoiding the question.

"I don't know. You tell me. You're the ruthless officer."

"Should I continue to be ruthless? I'm thinking of shifting to a more toned down officer."

"Like you will. Just admit that you're being biased."

"Maybe I really am," Tobias agreed to end the conversation.

Honestly, Tobias doesn't really know while he's being tolerant with Aspirant Moraii. Even though she messes with him with her rude bravery, it still didn't encouraged him to make her bleed. Maybe, because of the feeling of 'familiarity' every time he laid his eyes on her?

XXX

At the living room, Karisha and Sol are having their tea as the host already went to sleep.

"Sol, how are you? Are you hurt?" Karisha asked as she checked Sol's body for any signs of wound.

"I'm fine. Captain didn't really fight me."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought that we're really going to fight so I gave my best. However, he's going easy on me and he kept repeating his techniques. That's how I know that he's not really fighting me. If he really fought, I would be wounded in seconds."

"You're lucky that Captain Karsh went easy on you. What if he didn't? By the way, what are you thinking to even challenge him when you can't even win over him?"

"Well...I know it's really foolish but I really wanted my necklace back. It was a rash solution for me. I want him to see my determination to get that necklace back. Maybe, he'll have mercy on me and will give it to me. Who knows that I would admit defeat just because of a chicken in soybean sauce and pineapple juice?"

"Next time, you should consider the consequences before acting on something."

"Mmm. By the way, why are you acting like a mom now?"

"Don't you know that I care for you like a mom cares for her daughter? Silly, you flattened my heart beat after you declared your intent to challenge Captain Karsh."

"Karisha, you're being cheesy and dramatic. You're making my heart skip a beat."

Karisha grinned as she gave her friend a tight hug.

"Karisha, look," Sol said as she gestured towards the sky.

"What?"

"It's a full moon. We're having a bright light all throughout the night. It's the best time to go to the fields of Artemisia."

Artemisia is an aromatic shrub that typically have silvery-gray foliage, small, yellow or greenish-yellow flowers, and a hardy nature. The one in Largus is the Wormwood specie.

"Ahm...No thanks. I'm going to sleep now," Karisha immediately refused and went towards their room.

"I thought you cared for me?!"

"That is situational my friend. Visiting an Artemisian Field at night is not included."

Sol shook her head while looking at the closed door of their room. She then went towards Haelas' room. However, before she could ask for the favor, he said 'No' and went back to sleep. Just as she was going towards her room with Karisha in frustration, a deep voice called to her.

She turned around and saw Tobias.

"Good evening, Captain Karsh."

"Good evening."

"What is it you want to say, Captain?"

Tobias reached out to his pocket and pulled the necklace. He then presented it to her.

"I apologize. Here, take it."

Wow, this is unbelievable. It's the first time that I apologized.

Sol looked at him. He's not joking. A tear fell. Sol quickly wiped it. She then grabbed the necklace and hung it around her neck.

"Thank you, Captain. You don't know how much it means to me."

"Then don't lose it again. Have a good night," he said as he prepared to leave.

Before he could even step forward to leave, Sol grabbed his arm.

"Captain!"

"What is it?"

"Captain, have you seen the field of Artemisia?"

"No."

"Oh. Captain, the moon is shining brightly."

"Mm."

"Captain, let's go to the field of Artemisia."

Tobias looked at her in confusion because of her strange request. More so, it's coming from an Aspirant whom he had just known a few days ago.

"Captain, going to the field of Artemisia during the full moon is the perfect time. The silver glow of the Artemisia as the moonlight hits its silver leaves is just magical."

Tobias is still silent while looking at her, as if waiting for her to explain more.

"I already asked my friends and they refused me. Captain, I can fight but I'm afraid of the 'unseen things'. That's why I'm asking you to come with me. I promise you Captain that you wouldn't be disappointed."

"Well...I want to have my rest now," he said as he started to walk towards his room.

Sol sighed.

"Well, I guess I have to go alone. Don't worry Sol, the moon will guide you well."

After taking one lamp, she started to climb the mountain at the back of Haelas' house.

XXX

With a stolen real sword, we mean borrowed, in her hand; Sol looked at the entrance of the mountain. Though it's well lit, shadows still fall on the pathway.

She stared at it for several moments.

"Shall I enter you? But I'm afraid of the unseen beings. However, if I do not enter, I may have to wait again next year to see you. How can they refuse to come with me when they've been constantly talking about visiting the field during the full moon? Well, Sol, you're going to be a defender, you start being brave."

After calming herself, she took a step forward. It is said that the field will take 30 minutes to hike. During the first step, Sol is still struggling to calm herself. But as she continued, she began to be accustomed to the environment.

In no time, she arrived at the field. The Artemisia covered the top of the hill overlooking the town. At the back of the field is the forest where Sol emerged from. Fireflies gave additional glimmer during that night.

Sol let out a sweet smile as she went to take a seat on a nearby rock overlooking the field.

"How can this place be so magical?"

After a while, she started to break down. Tears started to fall from her eyes. It is weird how people break down after seeing such beautiful sceneries.

"Mother, have you ever visited this place before? I hope so, Artemisian Fields are your favorite. I'm sorry that you wouldn't be able to see this beautiful scenery again.

Father, I finished level 1. It was hard for me to start cultivating my skill. It was hard for me to make friends. It was also hard for me to be outspoken. I know that I am not at par with my fellow Wishbones but please know that I am trying my best. I hope that you will see my hard work and be proud of me."

She then held the necklace and stared at it.

"I really don't know why I feel a strange attachment to you but I'm glad and relieved that I got you back."

After several minutes, she was able to calm down her emotions.

While Sol is being honest with her feelings, a shadow of a man in midnight blue robes could be seen standing like a guardian among the tall trees. His usually cold eyes are starting to show a warm gaze. He silently watches and maybe sympathizes with the Aspirant not far from him. Even though he couldn't hear what she's saying, he could still feel the sadness from her sniffles and the harsh wiping of her tears.