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2024-10-29 19:42:56The big day had finally come, graduation day and it was truly an event to behold. The Imperial Academy spared no expenses in sending off the 27th graduating cadets of the Nottenam Imperial Academy. The entire building was cleaned thoroughly to the last speck of dirt, completely refurbished,the assembly hall would be where the ceremony would be held. Nobles and other families worthy of note would be at the ceremony so everything had to be perfect to the very last detail. The cadets had the whole day to prepare for the ceremony, some went out with friends to work on their hair,some went to the Super Store to buy dresses,shoes and other accessories they would wear after the ceremony and some just slept the day off. The last few days leading to graduation had seen the graduating set packing their bags because as soon as the ceremony is over they're expected to leave the academy and as such it is expected some of the cadets would be tired,Rashen however was not one of these cadets.
He'd been up since dawn but only managed to get out of bed till later, after thoroughly cleaning his entire dorm room just for the hell of it he went to the bathroom for his bath,he was in there for what seemed to be hours,he stepped out of the showers with a towel around his waste revealing a thin muscular figure,he walked up to one of the mirrors above the sinks and even he could see the he was nervous.In his room he tried going back to sleep but he just couldn't, he instead decided to take a walk round the entire academy soaking everything in one last time. From the lecture halls to the training grounds to the cafeteria and the courtyards,the academy had been like a home to him,more of a home to him than his actual home. He stopped under a tree in the courtyard and sat down on a bench,he thought to himself, about how he stayed in the academy for four years and didn't even make a single friend,he thought about the bullies that made life a living hell for him,he thought about the times he was all alone in his dorm room because his mates had gone home for the holidays and then he thought further back to even before he got into the academy.In a small bar as early as Six in the morning Rashen, fourteen years of age, burst through the front doors looking elated,he held tightly a seal in his hand,"I DID IT GUYS!!! I DID IT!!! I GOT IN!!!" Rashen bellowed loudly practically jumping for joy."Wadaya yapping about this early in the morning?"The grumpy looking old man behind the counter said as he set the fancy wine on display, Rashen took a seat just opposite of him and set the seal on the table with a smug look on his face,"I'm not reading that and you know it" the old man said plainly,"I passed the scholarship, I'm going to the Nottenam Imperial Academy" Rashen said out of breath,"Good for you" Mr. Cobbs said dryly, "Now I won't have to see your ugly mug everyday now" he said still focusing on his work."Oh come now Cobbs..." An old lady about the same age as Cobbs said as she came in from the back wiping her hands with a small rag, "...a grumpy attitude isn't the way to start the day" she said as she walked up to Rashen,"Good morning Mrs. Cobbs" Rashen said brightly,"And a pleasant morning to you too Rashen" she replied, "What's gotten you all bubbly today?" She asked looking at the seal on the table, Rashen handed it to her. She took out her reading glasses from her blouse pocket and wore them,she carefully went through the contents of the seal and let out a squeal of delight hugging him tightly,"Oh Rashen congratulations" she said holding him tightly, "You've earned it,you worked hard for it and you earned it" she added wiping off her tears."Thank you Mrs. Cobbs" he replied. She let him go,"Why don't I go prepare your favourite meal for you" Mrs Cobbs said"You'll do no such thing. There's no such thing as a free meal in the Cobbs Place,if he wants to eat he'll earn it himself." Mr Cobbs said to his wife sternly to which she replied,"Oh come off if Hugert, he's gotten into the Nottenam Imperial Academy on a scholarship,that alone has earned him a free meal here""I don't want to hear it Marrey,this is a business and not a charity" Mr. Cobbs fired back.While Mr and Mrs Cobbs were arguing Rashen had gone to the store to get the broom,he began his daily duties of cleaning the bar before opening hours. This was basically his job and he's been doing it since he was ten years old. While he was cleaning he heard someone open door from behind him,he turned back to tell whoever it was that the bar wasn't open yet but upon seeing who it was his body acted before his mind could and he ran towards the person and hugged him as tightly as he could."And a hello to you too Rashen" Argins said embracing Rashen back. They stood there for some time before Rashen let him go,"I did it Argins. I got into the Imperial Academy" Rashen wasted no time telling Argins,he didn't even bother showing him the seal in his hand. Argins looked quite shocked upon hearing the news at first but then let out a hearty laugh and patted Rashen on the back,"I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT RASHEN" He bellowed and continued laughing,"Oi will you all stop with the screaming already" Mr. Cobbs said rubbing the bald spot on his head as Marrey went over and hugged him too."Good to see you Argins" she said"Good to see you too Marrey" he replied before letting go of her. He grabbed Rashen and placed him on his shoulders"HUGERT!! I'D LIKE SOME OF YOUR FINEST DISHES IN HONOUR OF RASHEN AND PLEASE MAKE IT SNAPPY THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!" Argins screamed, Marrey couldn't help but laugh. Mr Cobbs took an empty beer bottle from under the counter and broke it on his head,he pointed what was left of the bottle at Argins and Rashen who looked shocked,"I'm going to close my eyes and count to ten and if I see you two fools here after I open my eyes I'll skin both of you alive". Rashen and Argins ran out the bar laughing madly.They sat on the bench at the lakeside watching the rising sun as it shone upon them. Between them on the bench was a sack of apples and some bottled water,they both ate and drank staring at the lake,it was a serene sight. Argins turned to face Rashen and he smiled,"I really am happy for you Rashen" he said with a genuinely genuine voice,"I couldn't have done it without you and Gramps and Mrs Cobbs" Rashen said taking a big bite out of his apple. He was right about not getting as far as he could without Argins and the Cobbs as it was Argins who introduced the young Rashen to the Cobbs hoping they would give him something to do and despite his many objections due to the amount of controversy surrounding Rashen deeming it bad for business,Hugert Cobbs eventually took him in and had him clean the bar early in the morning before opening and late at night after closing for 4 years earning anything he could. He used the money he earned to buy books he used to study and eventually he applied for a scholarship at the Nottenam Imperial Academy,he was more than grateful, Argins,Marrey and Mr Cobbs basically saved him,he wanted to tell them how he felt but couldn't quite put it into words,he racked his brain into coming up with the right words but before he could say it"I'm leaving Rashen" Argins said, "I'm being transferred to a division out of Nottenam".It took some time for Rashen to process this information and when he finally did he asked,"For how long?""I'm not quite sure but I doubt it'll be anything less than 5 years" Argins answered. Rashen was quiet for some time,he finally stood up and slowly walked towards the lake."Rashen I-""Just you wait and see" Rashen started without sparing him a glance, "I'll complete my 4 years in the Academy and graduate as one of the best graduating and deployed cadets..." Rashen paused for a brief moment, ".... AND THEN WE'LL RISE THROUGH THE RANKS TOGETHER!!!" Rashen screamed at the top of his voice and although he couldn't see his face,Argins could tell that Rashen was crying his eyes out.Rashen opened his eyes,he was still under the tree sitting on the bench,he wiped his eyes and looked around and from the position of the sun he could tell it was almost time for the graduation ceremony to begin.
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The time for the graduation ceremony to commence was only just a few minutes away. The cadets scurried about making their final touches before getting seated. Rashen walked into the hall wearing a yellow and black suit same as everyone else as that was the dress code for all graduating cadets,but he somehow managed to look the most basic out of 375 cadets. His hair was still messy as always, he felt ripped off by the merchant who sold him the hair cream he used because it didn't help at all. As he headed towards his seat he took a good look around the hall,it seemed like everyone who was anyone was there at the ceremony. There were seats reserved for cadets which were closer to the stage,a few paces behind were the seats reserved for visiting officers in the Imperial Academy and special table arrangements. On stage were the table arrangements for the Ranking Commander of Nottenam, the head of all Imperial Soldiers in the region, and the staff of the academy. Rashen took a few rows be
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The graduation ceremony for the 27th graduating set of the Nottenam Imperial Academy had finally concluded and for Rashen,it was the most memorable experience. He was announced as a 14th of the top 15 which was an exciting development because the top 15 had always had the privilege of picking any region of their choice to serve instead of the Force picking for them,he had the opportunity of going to regions like Owellis or Lambrid to serve. Going to either of those regions to serve would give him the perfect opportunity to get even stronger than he was now, it was also an opportunity to find Argins if he could.Not only did Rashen earn a spot at the top 15,he was also presented an award,an old award that was once delisted but brought back because the H.A.O believed Rashen had earned it. He was already contempt with the top 15 but winning an award would put him on another level in the Force. For Rashen it was truly a memorable night,one he would never forget,but of course what came aft
Fireborne: Rashen Rising CHAPTER 8: THE DREIGON CENTER
Things cooled down as Rashen had finally come back to his senses,he got too angry and was overcame with a kind rage he had never felt before. He looked around the room,the faces looking at him,some in shock,some in fear and some in disgust. He looked at Ballious standing right in front of him who looked absolutely mortified. He thought of wether he should apologise to him or not; Ballious abused and assaulted him in front of everyone but he wasn't the one getting looks of disdain. He wanted to say something, anything,he took a step closer to Ballious to apologise but as if on instinct Ballious formed his Gem Gloves and aimed at Rashen's head as hard as he could,but before it could make contact Raspin formed a wall between them,he knew it wasn't going to stop Ballious'attack but it would take most of the damage and slow his momentum. On contact with the wall it easily went through it sending dust and debris flying,when it settled the wall was almost completely destroyed, Rashen was la
Fireborne: Rashen Rising CHAPTER 9: ATTACK AT MIDNIGHT
The scream came from the Ruins of Old Dreigon. Rashen,Ngoko and Raspin went in to investigate, after several minutes of searching Raspin had already given up,"Are you sure you heard right Rashen? We've been looking around and I'm not seeing or hearing anything""Yeah'" Ngoko added, "We were at a fair so it's understandable you'd hear screams."Rashen wasn't too sure about the that just yet. He knew what he heard and it sounded like a scream of terror, like someone needs help. But they had been searching for a while now and have found nothing so they decided to go back. Just then they heard the scream again."Doesn't sound like the scream of someone having a good time at the fair now does it?" Rashen asked sarcastically."Don't be a smartass Rashen" Raspin, replied,they heard the scream again"Rashen's right, we've gotta check this out now" Ngoko said in a serious tone.The trio ran towards the direction the sound was coming from till they got closer and closer. It led them to a small
Fireborne: Rashen Rising CHAPTER 10: RASHEN'S VERDICT
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Fireborne: Rashen Rising CHAPTER 13: THE GRITTSHORE WATCH
Rashen woke up filled with dread the very next morning. He sat up and looked at the other side of the room where Gayle's bed was,he wasn't there. He thought it was quite unfortunate he had to share a room with Gayle. There were plenty of free rooms available and when he asked why he couldn't just stay in any other room he was sat down for what seemed to be an hour long lecture by Macy about how that was selfish and an injustice. Macy had a room to herself.He got up from the bed. He had to sleep in his shorts since his night dress was stolen the other day and it was either his shorts or his casual clothes. After freshning up he found the others in the dining hall,Macy was going through her scrambled eggs with bread slices and an orange juice,same with Gayle."Did you have a good night sleep Rashikins?" Gayle asked mockingly as Rashen walked up to them."Good morning" Rashen said to Macy, ignoring Gayle."Sure woke up late didn't ya" said Gayle,"Lay off him Gayle,he was probably tired
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Rashen, feeling good about himself, walked the streets of Blud Valley, deciding to go on his morning patrol before heading over to the Watch. The streets of Blud Valley seemed a lot healthier these days and it had everything to do with the Grittshore Division. Rashen had become something of a local celebrity in Grittshore, particularly Blud Valley,known by the name 'Hell Wings'. Blud Valley was still ridden with petty thefts, robberies and assault but crime was on a slow decline. Blak Acre on the other hand was a different story. The biggest subregion in Grittshore and they hadn't covered much grounds there,but Rashen didn't want to think about that too much. He was well aware that the issues in Blak Acre and Grittshore as a whole would take years to handle but Rashen was up for the challenge. He greeted various merchants and shop owners as he walked through the local market of Blud Valley. The children at the corner invited him over for their game of Atcherball but he declined. He
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CHAPTER 42: THE SPAR
"So Rashikins..." Gayle called from his bed just across Rashen's space. "What type'o woman d'you like?" "What?" Rashen,who at this point was used to Gayle keeping him up at night, asked."What type'o woman d'you like?" Gayle asked again. Rashen didn't think too much about his response."I mean...I like Macy." "No Rashikins,I mean romantically. The type'o woman you'd want to spend the night with having steamy,hot se-" "Yeah I got it!" Rashen interrupted. "I don't really have an answer for you though." "Come on Rashikins don't be a disappointment." "I'm serious! Girls never really liked me y'know." "With the whole 'demon who killed his parents' situation?" Asked Gayle."Yeah... also I don't think that physically,I was their type." "Ok but of all the women you've seen, different types with different body shapes, which one do you like the most?""I really couldn't tell you man." Rashen said truthfully."Fine,if you say you." Gayle replied, clearly unsatisfied with his Rashen's answ
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CHAPTER 41: FOX HUNT
The Red Ring Fox gang had been causing trouble in the deeper parts of Blak Acre and today they managed to corner an aging merchant in an alley. They pushed the merchant to the wall and forced his bag out of his hands. "Please don't. That's all I could make today and I have children at home to feed." The merchant begged. "Shut him up Burnlow!" Ordered one of the members,a young woman with a nose ring and a satchel hanging on her shoulders. Burnlow, the bald man with a particularly large nose landed a punch on the merchant's stomach. He retched as he got down on his knees,tears in his eyes. "What's in the bag Narry? Anything worth it?" Asked Snyther, another member of the group with sharp eyes and spiky hair. "There's money here but it's not nearly enough." Narry said irritated. She walked up to the merchant and got down to meet his eyes,she grabbed him by the hair. "Listen old man,the phrites ya got here ain't nearly enough to pay for our protection." She said. "Pr- protecti
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CHAPTER 40: THE DANGERS LOOMING
Claruk's body ached all over as he struggled to get to the kitchen. Ignoring his blood loss, he forced forced himself to get to the cabinets,he needed something to stop the bleeding. His arms pushed him forward leaving a trail of blood behind him where his left leg used to be. As he drew closer to the bottom cabinets he felt a sharp pain from his left thigh. He couldn't scream in pain as his throat had been slashed,he coughed up blood instead. He looked back to see the metal blade that had been forced into his thigh and standing behind him,a large man with metal blades sticking out of his back. The man dragged Claruk out of the kitchen and back to the living room using the blade. He sat him on the floor,back against the wall where he had a clear view of the dead woman in the middle of the scattered living room. His attacker pulled out another metal blade and forced it through Claruk's other thigh, another through his left shoulder. He sobbed as he coughed up blood, the pain was too i
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CHAPTER 39: TOGETHER AGAIN
Three days had passed since the duel and the three week mandatory leave for the Imperial Soldiers had elapsed and now it was time to return to business as usual and for Rashen, Gayle and Macy, that would mean returning to Grittshore."You guys better hurry. The carriage'll be here soon." Macy called from just outside the lodge. She stood in the cool 6 o'clock breeze,her bag hung over her shoulder all packed and ready to go."Yeah yeah I'm coming." Said Gayle walking out the lodge. He hung his bag over his shoulder as well,but in his hand was another bag,a bigger one."You know you could've just left your leftover foodstuffs for the next people that'll be using your room." She said arms crossed. Gayle laughed."Foodstuff we bought? With our own money? Macy we're not philanthropist y'know." "Whatever." She checked her watch. "What's taking Rashen so long?" "He's signing out and returning the key." "Wish he'd hurry up." "Meh,s'not like the carriage's here yet." "Still,he should be h
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CHAPTER 38: THE CALM
Rashen finally regained consciousness and the first person he sees after opening his eyes is Macy. She had laid his head in her lap while he was unconscious."He's awake." She whispered to Gayle who was leaning by the door. As his senses returned to him, Rashen realized that they were in his changing room. He struggled to get up,"Easy." Macy said as she helped him sit up.He had a slight headache, hopefully not another concussion,he looked around from Macy to Gayle and then back to Macy."You came." He said."Yeah...I did." She replied quietly."Why?" "Well,your friend Cobbs is...let's just say he was very persuasive." "Mr Cobbs? What does he have to do with--""Was it all true?" She interrupted. Rashen frowned, clearly he didn't like her interrupting him and dodging the question, she noticed this too."Sorry Rashen, it's just...what you said out there? Was it all true?"Rashen looked away from her. He wanted to snap at her,why would he lie about something like that?. He looked ba
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CHAPTER 37: BITTER VICTORY
"That's my boy!!!" Basterious laughed, "He's already perfected the Golden Sun at such a young age." "Should we stop him? An attack like that would kill Rashen wouldn't it?" Raspin asked Ngoko to which he replied,"Lumins wouldn't kill Rashen though... would he?" "It's time to put an end to this!" Alora spoke up."Don't bother! All of you!" Said Allum still seated arms crossed. "Lumins is many years too young to be using a technique like that." "And what exactly is that supposed to mean Allum? You dare to underestimate my son?" LiLyna snapped."Just watch!" Said Allum nonchalantly.Lumins was about to hit Rashen with the Golden Sun when suddenly his face contorted and his body tensed up. The arm holding up the attack began to tremble till it gave out. As Lumins fell to the ground the Golden Sun began to destabilize,it released flares and the heat shot up astronomically."What's happening Lumins?Is it going to explode or something?!!" Rashen asked in panic. Lumins didn't answer,he ju
