Star Ocean: Till The End Of Time Fan Fiction ❯ Dodger Huxley: Albel's First Apprentince ❯ Airiglyph ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The air dragon landed on its feet in front of the large castle. "Off."said the soldier. Dodger and Moca obeyed as they slid off the air dragon. Albel leapt off after them. There was one of the king's servants there to meet them.


"Welcome back, Sir."said the servant. "I shall take your dragon to its cell."he took the reigns and left pulling it along. Dodger and Moca were too occupied staring at the castle.


"Wow.....its so big."said Moca. Dodger nodded.


"Yeah......"even the rabbit in Dodger's arms squeaked in agreement. Both approached the large double doors to enter but 2 guards stopped. "Halt! Do you have an appointment with His Majesty?"asked the one guard. Both sweatdropped.


"Um..........."


"They're with me."said Albel. Both guards moved out the way without saying a single word. Albel entered the castle with Dodger and Moca following behind. The inside was like a giant, long hallway with doors on the sides. At the end of the hall were a large pair of doble doors just like at the entrance. But they were much more fancy. They were made of pure silver. Dodger and Moca were gazing upon their sorroundings. Lined up against the walls were suits of Airiglyph armor. Dodger then realized something. If she were to actually become a soldier, she'd never be able to wear any of the armor. She was way too short! But then again, maybe she could get one custom made just for her. That would be cool. Now, Albel was feeling the best he has all day long. He couldnt wait to hear the king decline Dodger and then she'd have to give him her life savings. He had planned to go out and buy his favorite dinner and buy a bag of apples afterwards. He'd eat a couple right then but then store the rest away in his room for another day. Or perhaps at night, he'll throw few out the window at some passing by peasants. And then he'd have a whole lot left over. Maybe he could buy some new katanas. Once they to the end of the hall, Dodger and Moca looked upon the silver double doors.


"Is this where the king is?"asked Moca.


"I think so."said Dodger. They both would of started to open the door but then they saw Albel going down another hall. He hadnt noticed that they werent following him anymore. They both gasped and ran to catch up with him. This new hallway was shorter than the other. At the end was a flight of stairs. The king must of been up there. Dodger and Moca followed Albel up the stairs with their excitement rising with each step they took. Once they got to the top there was yet another hall. But over on the left side in the center were a set of opened large gold double doors. A set of guards armed with spears standing on each side the doors. Dodger liked the idea of being able to guard the king. That was like a top priority position. She set the yellow rabbit on the floor. Albel came to a halt right before they reached the double doors. He turned back to them.


"Listen up, Racoon Girl. If you value your life, you will watch your tongue when speaking to His Majesty."he warned.


"Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever."said the menodix pushing pass him into the audience chamber.Moca liked her friend's confidence.


"Good Luck, Dodger."she said smiling.


"Thanks." She made her way down the aisle until she was about 10ft from the from the throne. Woltar stood at the king's side. To see a menodix in the castle of Airiglyph was extremely rare. Woltar spoke.


"What business do you have here, young one?"he questioned her in a rather authoric tone. Dodger placed her hands on her hips.


"My name is Do-"she was cut off by a smack in the back of the head.


"Kneel down and show some repsect, you fool!"scolded Albel.


"My bad."said Dodger rubbing her as she kneeled down.


"Forgive her rudeness, Your Majesty."said Albel who was also kneeling before the king as well. He turned to Dodger. "Now tell him why you're here." Dodger nodded.


"Right."she looked the king in the eyes. "Your Majesty, My name is Dodger Huxley and I want to become an Airiglyph soldier."she said confidently. There was a long silence. In all the years of Airiglyph's existence, there has never been a female soldier. Nor has has a female ever requested to be one. So this was a bit shocking. The kind cleared his throat before speaking.


"And what makes you think that you have what it takes to become a soldier of my kingdom?"this make Albel smirk. Soon she'd be declined and he'd get her money. He could not feel any better right now.


"Yes, racoon, please tell us."he teased.


"Well, Im really strong! I made my own weapons!"she pulled out one of her scythes and held it up. "See?" Woltar stepped forward to examine it. He ran a finger along the blade.


"Excellent craftsmanship."he said now eyeing the blood trickling down his finger. "Very sharp as well."he gave back her weapon.


"Thank you, sir."she said sheathing her scythe back.


"What else are you capable of?"asked the King. Dodger thought for a second. What else was there?


"Um....uh....well...I......uh.....I can....uh...."she was stammering like crazy.The king was become a bit impatient as he drummed his fingers along the throne's arm rest. Albel rolled his eyes.


"Speak up, maggot!"he slammed his foot down on her tail. Such terrible pain went through her body as a ear shattering scream exited her mouth. It filled the entire castle. Moca who was watching from the double doors was painfully cover her huge ears. And the as for the yellow rabbit, it was laying on the floor like this @.@


"ARGH! My ears are ringing!"screamed Albel.


"Well its your fault!"shouted Dodger caressing her injured tail. "Now you've ruined me chances to-"she was interrupted by clapping.


"Splendid."said Woltar. "What a lovely soprano voice." Dodger rubbed the back of her head.


"Actually, Im an alto."she corrected. It was just that Albel's action gave her voice a major boost. "This jerk just helped raise my voice."


"What did you call me?"Albel's eyes narrowed.


"You heard me! You're a jerk!"she said directly in his face. But she had to stand up to do it and since the soldier was kneeling they came just about face to face.


"How dare yo-"


"Enough."interrupted the king. Both stooped their bickering and turned back to His Majesty. "Is there anything else you can do?"Dodger blinked.


"Uh...I was able to wrestle down his dragon."she added pointing at Albel.


"Do it again and you die."he whispered.


"Interesting."said Woltar.


"Alright. I have a reached a decision."announced the king. Albel now had a grin on his face.


"Here it comes."thought the soldier to himself.


"In all the years of Airiglyph, we've never had a menodix or female soldier...."started the king. Albel's grin wider. He was getting more excited by the second. "You are quite the unique one as well."


"It's coming!"thought Albel trying to hold in his chuckles.


"So I have decided to....."


"Yes! Yes! Go on!"thought the soldier excitedly.


"To accept you."he finished. Albel face faulted.


"What?"it was as if the word just tumbled out his mouth. Dodger was now jumping up and down excitedly.


"Yay! Im gonna be a soldier! Whoo!"she cheered happily.


"But...."started the king cutting her off. "You shall require training. If you pass, you will become a honorary soldier of my kingdom."Albel couldnt believe his ears. Dodger had actually been accepted. There went his money all down the drain. He was speechless. And then the king added. "Albel shall instruct you."



"Oh my gosh! This is so cool!"exclaimed Dodger sitting in the bed of the room she had been given in the castle. There were 2 beds. One for Dodger and one for Moca. There was a window which you could get good view of all Airiglyph. Albel stood fustrated outside the room repeatedly banging his head into the wall. He was very upset over losing that money. He was so sure that he was going to win. But, you know what they say 'dont count your chickens before they hatch'. He stopped connecting his head with the wall when he saw the yellow rabbit snuggling his leg to comfort him. He kicked at it.


"Get away, you filthy vermin!"he screamed. The now scared rabbit quickly hopped back into the room for Dodger's protection. He slammed his fist into the wall cursing under his breath. Not only did he lose the bet but he had to train this smart mouth little menodix.


"Hey! Dont pick on Coconut!"scolded Dodger as she came out her room carrying the yellow rabbit which she had just named. "It's mean to pick on animals." Coconut squeaked and nodded in agreement. She noticed an indent on the wall and a small stream of blood running down Albel's face. "Man, that was you making that banging noise?! You done dented up the wall! You got a big head, you know that, dont you?" Albel trembled in anger as he tried to desperately hang on to his last shred of sanity.


"Im going to say this once."he started. "GET YOUR LITTLE, SHORT ASS BACK IN THERE!"he screamed from the top of his lungs. Dodger set Coconut down and placed her hands on her hips.


"Make me, rock head!"she screamed back. Now he had lost it. He lunged at her. It was clear that these two were non-compatible as they rolled around on the ground scrapping.