Chapter 13: Ruckus

The young soldier who defended General Hagris' name is one of his soldier. His name is Ruckus. Despite his young age, he'd shown potential and talent in their camp. He slayed many enemies at age of eleven and he actively participate in battle to protect the border.

Since yesterday is a joyous event for their general, they are given a break to visit or goes back to their families for a few days. But Ruckus is an orphan, he has nowhere to go. He has nothing, no family nor home. He is also embarrassed to intrude in his comrades' home, he will only feel alone and lonely seeing other family's heartwarming reunion so he decided to attend the birthday celebration instead.

Ruckus small village were attacked by theives when he was seven years old. Those thieves killed everyone in the village including his parents and younger sister then burn it after, leaving only ashes in its wakes. He was devastated witnessing thier tragic end but he has no other choice but to move forward. He became homeless after that , growing up begging for foods and sleeping on the street. When he is old enough to accept jobs, he applied as a volunteer soldier. Being a soldier is indeed perilous and he might die anytime but atleast he doesn't need to beg anymore or sleep in hunger. He won't worry about food, clothes and shelter anymore.

In order to stay in the camp, he trained very hard. He trained like there's no tomorrow, obeyed commands and spectacularly carried out his missions. He fought and protected the border until he's name was well known in the whole camp and General Hagris also recognize his effort. When there is an opportunity ,General Hagris will sometimes give him pointers in his fighting styles when they are training which he was greatful for.

He is his idol, a role model just like a father figure that is why hearing this people speak disrespectfully to the general makes him mad.

"Hmmfff!! , a haughty scoffed from another soldier. He looked at Ruckus scornfully. The soldier have different uniform than Ruckus. Ruckus wore a crimson red uniform with a few strand of black on it. While this newcomers wear silver with a bit of black strand uniform. Different uniform means they are under different leadership. Under different general, to be specific.

Ruckus attention was grabbed by this newcomers' arrival. His face hardened and his body tense, preparing himself for a possible disfute. The young man who spoke just now is leading a group of four soldiers. He recognized the uniform they are wearing. They might be from nearby camp who protects the West border, ruled by another great general, General Amon. Unlike General Lewis who is General Hagris' close friend, General Balcor who maintains civil and tranquil relationship with him, General Amon has a few dark history with General Hagris. Since their two camps are near to each other, arguments and confrontation between the two generals can't be avoided specially when it comes to credits and distribution of benifits. Even the soldiers under their leadership often brawl in every little disagreement. Their different opinions and lack of agreement resulted detachment and hard feelings for both military camp.

It is true that Valeria Kingdom maintain its peace and freedom due to collaborative effort of the Royal Family together with the four general as well as the palace council members, their unity to protect allies and destroy envaders and enemies keep the kingdom's current status of peace. But in reality, without war and common enemies, some influential family within the kingdom sparks a few havoks , messing with their rival household. Dispute and derangement often occurs with each family's servants. They often quarrels trying to outdo others to make their master looks formidable than the others. Of course this usual incident not only happens between royals or nobles , even the four great general's household together with their own military camp can't help but have a few personal disputes that ends up with exchanging blows and breaking some bones. A few even lost some limbs and some unfortunate one dies during a fight.

Finghting inside each military camp is prohibited and they will receive punishment accordingly but military officers can't monitor and forbid them to fight each others outside the military camp.

The air around them grew heavier, a brewing trouble loomed thicker around them. Both vendors and customers near the brewing dispute already run or evacuated farther to ensure their safety . Fights like this usually destroys some stalls and hurts innocent bystander after all.

What's is wrong with what they had said? Isn't is true that the young lady of Hagris household is spoiled rotten , a trouble maker in fact so why would his majesty willingly engaged her to Prince Rhuy unless your General propose it himself. His majesty was forced to agree in respect to his previous achievements." , the young soldier said viciously with accusing tone. The look in his eyes shows how much he detest the Hagris household.

" Huh! Speaking like you actually knew the Hagris family and Young Lady Shizuna so well. Are you perhaps a close kin of them, acting like you knew some inside stories that even I as one of General's crimson soldier haven't seen during the celebration? " Ruckus sarcastically said, glaring icily at him.

" I-i, w-ell.. " the young man stuttered. Not waiting for him to finish his sentence, Ruckus cut him out again.

" If ever what you said is really true, then are you brave enough to take responsibility to your words in case General Hagris heard of what bullshit you have spoken today? You implying that the general abused his power to threaten his majesty and undermine his position will surely guaranteed your pleasant death , what else if our general personally hear how vicious you spoke about our little young lady. Ruckus looks icily to the young soldier, challenging him to retort to his word.

" You !!!! " the soldier who led the group were stunned and lost for words. He don't know how to response because he knew that if the general really heard about what he said, he would surely be demoted or killed on the spot for spreading false rumors. Even his own camp general, General Amon will not tolerate this kind of misbehavior, a lowly act of distorting truth just to gain advantage from others.

Seeing that his friend is lost for words, one of the other four soldier stepped forward to retort instead. He is a year or two older that Ruckus.

" Hey boy, is that all you could do? Report and tattle us to your general, are you a fucking child?! " , he said looking so pissed. Arrogance visible on his face.

"That's right, besides who the fuck are you! Trying to threaten us , if we are really spreading rumors then how about you. Can you even guarantee us that your words are true either? You say we aren't telling the truth then what proof do you have if you're the one telling the truth." , another soldier said distorting the truth again.

Low murmurs and whispering between bystanders echoes in the silence as their opinions start to be swayed.

Seeing the bystander starts to change sides and doubt Ruckus gaves the other soldiers courage to say more sleazy and deceitful words about the Hagris family.

"Besides, what can that loathsome little brat can offer you for defending her like like that . Everyone here knows she isn't special at all, she will be nothing but a nasty bitch when she grows up who only knows nothing but to hide behind his father's pants, their laughter echoed in the place, mocking and blaspheming little Young Lady Shizuna's name.

His abusive remarks infuriated Ruckus further. He wish to tear him apart at that moment. Even the bystanders turned silent after they heard these young men's words. Whether if what they said is true or false , speaking about great general's family like that is too below the belt. They knew that these young men won't have a peaceful night after spreading this rumors. Even if they won't be punished by saying those mean things, their houses might be knocked off one night, visited by the crimson camp soldiers led by General Hagris personally. As a lowly commoner, they can't afford a visit like that from the general.

Seeing Ruckus now unmoving and quiet, the young soldiers thought that he can't retort anymore. Their leader finding his courage again manage to act haughty again.

" Ayow, tsk what now? Cat got your tongue?! " He mocking said.

" Wait 'till General Hagris die, that little bitch will surely... "

Before he could even finish his sentence, he was cut off and thrown into rubbish. A loud sound were heard....

Boooommmm !!!! ...