CHAPTER NINE

Strangers

When they got to the captain's office, they were surprised that he told both of them to sit down.

"Baylyn, this is your final warning. How many times do I have to reprimand you this week? You were supposed to be back an hour ago! I cannot keep sending other guards to chase after you."

"Sorry," said Baylyn, his eyes pointed at the floor.

"Would you like to tell me your reasoning?"

Baylyn looked up. "I- I needed space," he said quietly.

"Do you think you get 'space' on the battlefield? No! You need to work with your teammates during combat. We have no time for your drama."

"With utmost respect sir, Baylyn lost control of his magic. In actual combat that could be devastating. He did the right thing."

Baylyn kicked Fletcher in the boot. He didn't want the captain to know.

"What did you do?"

"I- I burned Fletcher," he said, looking over at Fletcher to let the captain know who he was.

"Has this happened before?" said The Captain.

"No! I swear it was just a one time thing. It won't happen again."

"How do you know that?"

"I've always been able to maintain control. This was just a slip up."

The Captain sighed. "I'm going to assign you an escort during training until further notice. If they give me a good report, then you can go by yourself, but until then, you are to be accompanied. Got it?"

"But-"

"You do not speak back to your captain. Conversation over. Now, let's talk about the human."

The Captain looked at Fletcher before saying, "The reason I asked you to sit down as well is because I wanted to ask you to join the guard. I have seen what you can do and I think you would make a great addition."

Fletcher was shocked. He hadn't even thought of joining the guard in Flint because he questioned their values, but he felt proud of the fact that he was good enough for this captain. Still, he had his doubts.

"I have to think about it," he said.

"No worries. Take your time. This is a big decision, but it is one of honor. I hope you don't take this invitation lightly."

"Thank you sir. I won't."

"Good. You are both dismissed. And Baylyn? I'm giving you the rest of today off. You clearly need rest. But don't disappoint me again or I can take you off of your duties and you'll be scrubbing the locker rooms instead. You hear?"

"Yes sir."

They both got up from their seats and walked out the door. Baylyn started speeding up as soon as they walked outside.

"Wait! Baylyn... I was just trying to help!"

"Help? Fletcher, the captain's even more on my ass now and I have a fucking babysitter! What did you think that would accomplish?"

"The captain's just worried about you. He seems to care enough to give you today off."

"Of course you would think so. He already loves you. I've never seen someone just get invited to join the guard before. Fletcher, you barely know me! Do you know how hard I worked to be let in? No. You probably wouldn't understand because everything's just handed to you."

Just then, Fletcher snapped.

"That's not true and you know that!" said Fletcher, letting a tear slide down his cheek. "I haven't been allowed to want anything! My dad was so insufferable that the only solution was to leave. That bow was the only thing I had ever gotten as a gift. And now, for the first time, I'm actually getting the things I want and I'm supposed to feel guilty about that?"

At that, Baylyn's features softened.

"Fletch, I'm sorry, I didn't mean–", he said, putting his hand on Fletcher's shoulder.

Fletcher shrugged it off, saying, "Don't touch me," and walking off in the opposite direction, toward the woods.

This fight had hurt Fletcher more than the burn that Baylyn had inflicted on him.

Baylyn's eyes filled with tears as he watched Fletcher go. He had finally found someone who seemed to understand him more than anyone else, and he had just ruined everything. He could only hope that Fletcher would come back to sleep when it was time.

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A/n: Thank you so much for reading to this point! I'm sorry if you guys were expecting a more lighthearted chapter. As always I would appreciate a comment if and a vote if you liked it and I hope you're just as excited for next week's chapter!