Chapter 3: Your Replacement Commander

"Look who finally decided to show up! You're an hour late!" A deep voice rang out into the open air. It seemed to have come from one of the figures standing at the front of the gathered group of people.

"Sorry about that, Graven. I've got another guest I brought with me who I think you'll like." Ann answers with a smile as she points to Nissa.

"Why would we care about a single recruit? Just get up here. You've kept us all waiting!" Graven calls out with his hands crossed over his bulging chest. His muscles look to be as thick as the chain mail armor he wears over his entire body and he's clearly worked hard over the years in order to build up such a physique. His skin is dark brown and wrinkled like a dried piece of leather as he stands tall on top of a boulder that juts up out of the ground beneath his feet.

"There's no need for such hostility, Graven. You should know by now that nothing is going to slow down her impulsiveness." A woman cuts in from Graven's side. Her long, straight brunette hair flows past her waist like a waterfall and her skin glistens with a beautiful ivory tone. But most striking about her appearance are the two pairs of wings folded against her back. One of bright red, and the other being a deep blue color like those of an eagle.

"Aww, thanks, Cali. I knew you would have my back" Ann smiles as she flies over to the tall woman for a hug.

"Ugh, whatever. Let's just get this over with. I made plans with some people after this." Graven growls in annoyance.

"Oooh, did Mr. hard-ass get himself a girlfriend? I'm so jealous." Ann says jokingly to Graven's annoyance.

"Now listen here you litt-"

"No more fighting you two. These students are going to think poorly of you if you keep acting like this." Cali steps in between the two of them with her wings outstretched, causing the both of them to stand down. But not before Ann sticks her tongue out at Graven one last time.

*Ahem*

"Greetings dear ones, welcome to your first day at our astute academy," Cali speaks out in a large booming voice. All of you here have chosen to stand by our side in the endless struggle against the oppression and injustice cast upon us by the Reapers.

Some of you have already become accustomed to life within Revenant while others may be completely new to these lands, but either way, you will all find a place within our academy."

Cali looks out across all those present, waiting for them to quiet down before continuing. "This academy is dedicated to teaching each and every one of you the skills necessary to survive in this world while simultaneously training your minds. Our goal here is simple: Train you into the best fighters this world has ever seen so that you can contribute to a cause that you believe in.

Now then, before we get started any further. We are going to run a few tests to find out which class each of you is more suited to participate in. Of course, you are more than welcome to partake in classes outside of your recommendation, but do note that your success in those classes may vary. Now please line up into four lines for us. The instructors will also be available to answer any questions that might arise during this time."

The moment Cali finishes her speech, four young men dressed all in black step forward. They each take their place side by side as they bow before the gathered crowd and begin setting up an array of devices in front of them.

The machines looked completely foreign to Nissa as each piece seemed to have been connected via some kind of electrical wire that seemed to be glowing faintly in response to the current. It should have been impossible for each piece to have been kept airborne but they were suspended over the ground effortlessly like they were on some kind of invisible table.

After a few moments, they were done assembling and each one of them began to beckon for the students to form their lines in front of them.

Noticing that everyone was getting in line, Nissa followed suit and joined as well.

She waits patiently as the line slowly crawls forward. It was a slog of a wait as each student took their turn and was tested by the mysterious black-clad individuals. they each stood inside of the large machines that had been crafted moments before. And each one of them stayed within the machine for around 10 minutes before exiting from the back and entering one of the designated groups.

But as they waited, Nissa noticed that some of the students were being left out. Some of them were being forced to go through additional testing, or worse yet being turned away altogether. She didn't understand why they would do such a thing, but it wasn't her concern. It wasn't like she knew any of these people anyway. So instead of thinking about it, she tried to stay occupied within her own mind.

And in no time, it was her turn to step inside the machine.

"Good day madam, I am going to ask you a few simple questions before we commence your evaluation. Do not worry too much as this will simply allow us to more accurately determine your placement." The black-cloaked man explains as he reaches out his hand to shake hers.

"Uh sure, what do you want to know?" Nissa asks nervously.

"Well, first off I would like to know the extent of your knowledge. more specifically, how much of your past life do you remember?

"I…I don't really know. I mean I have a few memories of drinking with my friends, although I can't seem to remember their names. I know that my name is Nissa. Oh, and I have a vague memory of being enlisted in the army. Unfortunately, I don't think I got to finish my term." Nissa complained a little at the reminder. Oh and I don't know if this is important right now, but my eyesight is a little bad.

The man nods at her while taking notes. "Don't worry about your poor vision. That will naturally fix itself in due time. For now, can you tell me what your role was while enlisted? What were you doing before coming here?"

Nissa pauses for a moment as she tries to recall what exactly she did, but her thoughts came up empty. Although there was a brief flash of a memory, it was a bit too embarrassing to share out loud with a stranger. "Sorry, but I can't remember anything."

"That's fine. Even remembering fractions of one's life can be quite a challenge. You've given me enough information already. Please, take a step inside and await further instructions." The man responds with a warm smile on his face as he motions towards the large open machine.

Hesitating briefly, Nissa then takes a few steps inside before hearing the door shut behind her. And just as she hears the clang of its metal hinges locking itself, there comes a series of loud beeps followed by the sound of rushing wind as the air inside begins to swirl and expand rapidly like a tornado. And then suddenly the swirling winds ceased and Nissa found herself floating in what looked to be an endless sky.

Upon realizing where she was, Nissa began to panic. She instinctively reaches out with her arms and legs to find anything to stop her descent but finds no such surface. The air hits her like an explosion and she feels herself tumbling faster and faster.

Nissa was screaming in terror when suddenly she felt something that caused her entire body to stiffen up as she froze in place. It was as if she was bound tightly by a rope from head to toe. As her mind began to race with curiosity, she was surprised to find that her scream had vanished entirely from her mouth.

She was no longer able to make a sound, not even a whimper as she floated weightlessly in the clouds.

*What happened to the ground? Why am I falling? Where am I?!*

She had too many questions about how any of this was possible, but those questions were swiftly put to the side after her eyes spotted something in the distance. Its size was beyond comprehension, and it had been growing larger and larger over the last few seconds. 

Squinting her eyes, Nissa realized that the beast was flying closer to her at an alarming speed.

Nissa's heart was racing fast within her chest and her hands trembled within her grip as she continued staring at this monstrosity closing in on her. And within mere moments, it was upon her.

Its eyes glowed a bright blue color as if she was being stared down by the ocean itself, its snout twitching in anticipation as it let loose a mighty roar that shook the very fabric of the air. But as it roared, Nissa felt an unexpected feeling.

Instead of fear, she felt relaxed at the beast's presence. She could feel its strength and power as it grew nearer to her, and yet she felt completely safe from harm. This strange feeling persisted as she watched the beast fly around her body and then suddenly vanish into a collection of blue particles. 

Each particle flowed into Nissa as if attracted by some mystical force, obscuring her vision from the sheer mass. And then without warning, she was standing back on the ground, inside the tester's machine.

"Are you alright ma'am?" The man asks as the doors slide open.

"Yes…yes, I am…" Nissa answers weakly. She hadn't expected to see such a creature here, or anywhere else for that matter. But for some reason, she wasn't as scared as she thought that she should have been. the creature felt oddly docile to her. As if it wouldn't be capable of harming anyone.

"If you're feeling okay, then go ahead and come out for me." The man says with another nod of approval at her condition.

Stepping out of the machine, Nissa is handed a few papers and is instructed to join one of the four groups gathered in the field.

Walking over to her group Nissa is met with a collection of many other students from a vast diversity of races. Not only that but some of them even had their wings folded against their backs! Nissa was shocked that these so-called students were already at a level of doing something that she thought would have been impossible for them at this stage.

It was almost enough for her to pout in jealousy.

As she stepped forward towards the group, a tall woman wearing a stylish blue dress and a pair of matching heels greeted her. Her hair was long and tied neatly in a ponytail.

"Well aren't you a beauty. How would you like to join my team!"

Nissa stares incredulously at the woman who smiles wider still at her reaction. "Don't worry. I treat my subjects with the utmost respect. You're in good hands. Now come along, show me your wings. Let's see what kind of special abilities you have hidden beneath them."

"My wings? What are you talking about?" Nissa looks up at the woman curiously.

"I'm talking about your wings. Your feathers. Those beautiful things you hide under that skin of yours." She replies cheerfully.

Nissa hesitates for a second, then cocks her head to the side.

"But... I don't have my wings. I haven't learned how to bring them out yet." She responds nervously.

The woman lets out a noticeably concerned face at the comment as she recoils back. "What do you mean, you can't bring them out? You must be in the wrong group. This group is only for the elite."

"Oh..." Nissa pauses and then looks down at the stack of papers in her hands. "But it says I should be right here, see."

Nissa turns the papers towards the girl and points to the top portion.

"Ugh, I don't know how you got placed here, but you might as well just leave now. Everyone else who has come here is a variant. You know what that means don't you? That means that we are above all of you normal, common, everyday Souls." The girl scoffs at Nissa as she unfurls her own wings.

They were unlike anything Nissa had seen before. A pair of bright purple feathered wings with a slight hint of blue veins running across her outer edges. They were magnificent and graceful and seemed almost to glow with an inner light that gave the impression of beauty beyond comparison.

"You see these. This is what true perfection looks like. Something that someone like you wouldn't ever be able to comprehend. What do you have to say about that, huh? And don't think that I am simply trying to bully you. If you stay here, I can guarantee that you will die before you can even get the chance to make a name for yourself.”

*Gosh, those are some beautiful looking wings. I wonder what mine would look like. Oooh, I hope mine are red. Now that would go great with my hair. Maybe I should grow it out a bit more. I could be a flaming queen.* Nissa couldn't stop herself from gushing at the beautiful pair of wings that the woman carried with such elegance and grace.

"Hello? Hello!? Are you listening to me!?"

"Huh, oh yeah. You wanted me to work with you right?" Nissa says enthusiastically as she swiftly moves in for a closer look. Your wings are really beautiful. But why are they purple? what do they do?" Nissa says with a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"B-back up. Gosh, what is wrong with you? Don't you know what personal space is?"

"Hehe, sorry about that. I just can't get enough of cute things." Nissa responds with an innocent smile as she continues to stare at the woman's wings.

"What are you saying?! Do you have any idea who I am? These wings aren't just beautiful, they're deadly weapons in case you forgot." She warns as she turns away from Nissa with her arms folded. Her face reddened slightly and she let out a heavy sigh.

"Whatever, I'll show you what I can do so pay attention. If anything, you should feel honored to witness my wings in all their glory" the woman adds as she begins to take flight.

Her wings sway elegantly as her legs bend backward and she slowly raises into the air like a bird taking flight. The moment she gained enough height, her wings were stretched wide apart, releasing a flurry of lilac feathers into the air which then swirled around and formed into a vortex around her body. As the vortex's intensity increased, Her eyes began to glow a bright shade of purple.

The next moment, the vortex surrounding her disappeared leaving nothing but a single lilac feather drifting downwards as she glided back towards the ground. And as the final feather lands, a series of cut marks were visible on the ground beneath her feet. The woman lets out a satisfied grunt as she stands tall again as though she had just made a great accomplishment.

The entire process had taken less than 10 seconds. But Nissa couldn't help but watch in amazement as the woman gracefully landed before her once more.

"Amazing," Nissa said honestly in astonishment. "That was beautiful."

Hearing Nissa's praise, the woman smiled warmly and nodded. "Thank you very much, I'm glad that you are able to appreciate such beauty. Unlike these other fools who seem to think otherwise." She added bitterly as she took a step toward Nissa and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You know what? I may have underestimated you a bit. You may be weak, but you will still make a great servant. So, what should I call you? If I'm not mistaken, we haven't introduced ourselves quite yet. My name is Samara."

"Um, Nissa is fine"

"Alright, Nissa it is then. Welcome to my team, we'll be working together from here on out." Samara says with a smile at her newest recruit.

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Nissa nods her head happily at the woman as a loud thumping can be heard behind her.

"Oh, it looks like they have finished testing everyone," Samara notes as Nissa turns to face the source of the noise.

"Congratulations to everyone who has passed their evaluations, With this you have passed the first hurdle towards becoming one of us. But there is no time for celebration yet. Now that you have all found your places, It is time for us to commence our first test. This will determine which one of you is allowed to partake in the final stage. Anyone who fails this test will be barred from moving on and will have to retry again in the coming year. Now listen well, because we will not be repeating ourselves."

Cali ends her speech as Graven begins to speak up. "Listen up, recruits. As many of you have probably heard, this year's trial will be a simple one. Within 3 days, we will travel to the northern regions' Valencia Forest'. We will not provide you with any form of transportation. You will need to figure that out yourselves. Do not ask us to help you either. If you do, you will be immediately disqualified.

This forest isn't like the others that surround our city. There is an abundance of Espers in this area and it will be your duty to hunt down these Espers and dispose of them before their numbers grow too large to handle. You will be given more information at the site. Your group's destination is located on the maps that have been handed to each one of you. Note that if we do not see you within the 3-day timer, you will be disqualified. 

Now, enough talk. You are all dismissed, so get to it."

As Graven's voice faded, Nissa watched as the three instructors blasted off into the sky followed by everyone beginning to disperse throughout the crowd. Each person took flight in different directions while others ran off on foot with panicked looks on their faces.

"So, what are you waiting for?" Samara asks with an amused expression, "Aren't you worried about being late?"

"Oh, uh, yeah," Nissa responds quickly as she begins flipping through her papers to locate the map that Graven had mentioned earlier.

"There's no need for you to worry so much. Even if you knew where to go, I doubt you could get there within 3 days, on foot." Samara chuckles with her arms crossed beneath her chest.

Nissa blinks in surprise at the comment and then looks up at Samara curiously. "Then how am I going to get to the site?"

"Don't worry about that. Your leader has everyone taken care of it. All you have to do is follow me. Now hurry up, I want to be the first one there."

*Wow. She's really reliable. She would make a great commander.* Nissa thinks as she begins following Samara out of the courtyard.

As the two ladies traverse by foot down the smooth pathway accompanying the road, Samara watches Nissa curiously.

"I'm guessing that you haven't been around very long. When did you arrive in Revenant? Samara questions, while looking over her shoulder.

"I woke up here just yesterday, actually. How did you know?

"You just give off that vibe. Aside from not having control over your wings, you seem a bit clueless. In fact, why are you joining the resistance? You just got here." Samara points out with a confused expression.

*Oh yeah, why am I here? Ann just kind of brought me here. I should really learn to say no, but you can't blame me. She's just too adorable not to go along with.* Nissa thought with a sheepish grin on her face.

"I guess I just kind of ended up here myself," Nissa replies with an embarrassed shrug as she continues to walk with Samara. "But since I'm already here. I might as well just follow through. It's not like I have anything else to do after all."

"Hehe, you're not wrong there, Better to keep busy than sit around doing nothing." Samara giggles lightly at the response Nissa had provided as they continued to walk through the streets together.

The pair of women eventually reach a large building with an equally sized garage beside it. At the front door was an armored glass window with a guard standing at attention with his hands held to his side in a rigid stance. He looked over at the two women as they approached, his eyes narrowing. But as soon as he sees Samara, he steps aside and waves her in without any further delay.

Inside the main doors was a small receptionist desk made from polished marble. Behind the counter stood a woman wearing a dark green cloak that covered almost every inch of her exposed skin except for her bare legs. Despite her lack of visible clothing, her figure was still quite noticeable as she was far more muscular than anyone would expect for someone wearing such a cloak. A few strands of hair had escaped their confinement and hung loosely down across her back like that of a lioness' mane.

"Good evening Ma'am. I assume that everything went well at orientation." The woman bows her head slightly as she addresses Samara, who in turn smiles and answers in a friendly tone,

"Yes, everything went as planned. I was even able to find a promising young lady to accompany me to the next test. I would love to introduce her to everyone but that can wait till a later date. For now, can you prepare a leviathan for us?"

"Certainly, I'm guessing you would prefer one on the smaller side?" The woman asks as she steps out from behind the desk.

"Uh, yeah that'd be nice," Samara replied with a nod as she followed the woman with Nissa in tow.

Nissa was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that Samara might have been some famous woman in disguise as she watched everyone within the building treat her with the utmost respect.

"Sorry to ask Ma'am, but why are you taking the stairwell today? Are you not feeling well?" The receptionist asked with concern evident in her voice.

"No worries dear, I'm doing just fine. You see, my new friend here hasn't learned to use her wings just yet." Samara replied while motioning towards Nissa's backside. "Isn't that right darling?"

"Darling?!" Nissa shouts embarrassingly.

Samara laughs lightly at the response as she leans in closer to Nissa's face. "Don't tell me that you weren't listening again."

"Of course, I was listening!" Nissa snaps defensively, "I was just uh...surprised by your words." She adds sheepishly.

"Gosh, I have no idea what goes through your mind," Samara tells her with her face held in her palm.

"Heh, sorry about that. I'll be sure to pay more attention from now on." Nissa apologizes.

"No need to be so sorry sweetheart. You work for me now. Have some pride." Samara explains with a smile at Nissa before stopping at a door at the top of the staircase.

Opening the door, Nissa is greeted by an array of what looks to be airships of varying sizes and appearances. They were all floating gently, just slightly above the ground and each one radiated with an unknown energy that made them light up the room in a multicolored hue. Nissa notices that Samara is staring intently at one particular vessel near the edge of the room.

"This leviathan will do nicely. Thank you for taking care of us Maria. I can take it from here." Samara announces with a friendly tone as she and Maria bow their heads to one another. Maria shortly after exits the room, leaving only Samara and Nissa behind.

"Now, come along Nissa. We should depart soon if we want to be the first ones at the site."

Nissa follows Samara to a small Aircraft with an open hatchway on top of it. It was about the size of a car and shined brightly with purple flames burning on each side of the vehicle's nose. Nissa stares wide-eyed at it as she hesitates for a moment before stepping onto it.

"Come now, climb aboard," Samara says with amusement as she pushes Nissa's backside until she climbs inside.

Falling inside of the leviathan, Nissa rubs her temple while looking around the interior in amazement. It was like something out of a sci-fi movie. Smooth walls covered in a dark brown material lined the entire vessel save for the pilot area which was covered in an orange material instead. The seats in the cabin seemed to fit Nissa perfectly as she climbed into a chair next to the wall.

"So how is it?" Samara asks from the cockpit as she begins checking various controls on the console in front of her. "Do you like it?"

"Yeah, it's really nice," Nissa replies with a shy nod. Though as much as she was in wonder of the futuristic aircraft, Nissa couldn't keep her eyes off of Samara's figure while she worked. From her slender arms to her shapely chest and toned stomach to her long legs. Every inch of her body seemed to gleam and sparkle with an inner light that seemed to emanate from within. She moved with a certain grace unlike anyone else Nissa had ever seen before.

"Hold on tight. We are about to take off." Samara calls out to no avail, as Nissa was too focused on her imagination to hear the warning."

As the leviathan booms with power, the roof above them slides open to reveal the clear skies outside. With a gentle push from the joystick, Samara launches them into the sky, throwing Nissa from her seat.

*Whoa!* Nissa's mind screams in panic as she struggles to get back in place.

"Are you alright back there? Samara calls out in a worried tone after hearing the loud thud from behind her.

"Uh…yeah, yeah I'm fine. Everything is okay." Nissa answers back as she gets situated once again.

"Good, Then let's make our way to the Valencia Forest. It should only take us around 2 days until our arrival." Samara states calmly. "We will be stopping for a break once night falls. Sit tight until then alright?"

"Oh, okay…" Nissa says while nodding as best she can while holding onto her seat for dear life. The speed of the leviathan was much faster than she could have ever expected and it took her a moment to regain her composure and settle down enough to focus on her surroundings once more. "How did you learn to pilot this thing?" Nissa suddenly inquires with curiosity.

"It was my job in the Old World. It might surprise you but I was actually a darn good pilot." Samara tells her with a smirk. "You'll never find a better pilot than I in all the land!" Samara boasts with confidence.

"That's amazing! I don't think that I would ever be able to become a pilot. there are way too many buttons to press." Nissa blurts out with excitement while still gripping onto her seat tightly. "But how are you able to fly this ship? it doesn't look like any plane I've ever seen. Or at least I don't remember seeing anything like it." Nissa questions curiously with an innocent expression.

"Well, the technology here is quite advanced but not all that strange. If you think there's a plane out there that I can't conquer, then please show me." Samara insists with an impish grin.

Nissa giggles softly at Samara's playful demeanor while relaxing in her seat.

"But enough about my grandeur, tell me about yourself. What did you do back in the Old World?" Samara asks gleefully.

It's definitely not as cool as you, but up until recently, I was just a simple soldier enlisted in the military. It was always my dream to be able to tinker away as much as I like with the different firearms and weapons. I know it's a bit weird for a young girl like me, but I just can't keep my hands off of them." Nissa explains timidly while rubbing her hands together nervously. “They're just so...exciting!

The feeling of the smooth handle of a rifle in my hand makes everything seem right in the world." Nissa continues with a wide smile and her eyes glistening. "I used to love sneaking out during training with my rifle in tow and just going wild on any target I could find. Although my commander wasn't the biggest fan of my actions."

*Whoa. I had such a hard time remembering anything earlier, but now it feels like the memories are just flooding back into me.*

"Well, it's a good thing that I'm your new commander. I like your style." Samara compliments with a warm smile at Nissa. "You're going to have to show me those skills once we reach the forest. You'll have plenty of targets to unleash your wrath upon."

"Really?" Nissa asks excitedly, "I'm going to get my own rifle?"

"You sure are! In fact, If we get there first, you can have your pick of the litter." Samara tells her with enthusiasm, "And if you're a good shot with that rifle, There's no doubt that you will be able to move on to the final test. And once you complete it, you'll be able to handle all the firearms you could ever dream of. Well, assuming you don't get yourself kicked out, of course."

Nissa laughs lightly at Samara's joke. "Well, I hope not because I have so many ideas of what to do with all those guns!"

"For someone who only woke up recently, you seem pretty fine with the whole dying thing. You must have some rock-hard nerves. Most people aren't so calm when they first wake up." Samara notes with a sense of admiration.

"What? I'm just thinking positive about it, that's all." Nissa responds quickly before adding: "Besides, I've been in worse situations than this."

"Worse... than death?"

"Okay, so I might be exaggerating a bit. But you get what I'm saying" Nissa laughs nervously.

"Hehe, Whatever you say."

The duo continued their flight until the sun's rays were no longer visible and darkness had settled upon them. Samara guided the leviathan smoothly towards an empty field nearby where they would be sleeping for the night. With a gentle bump on the floor, they landed gently in the middle of the field. As Nissa gets up from her seat, Samara gives her a few words of advice.

"Alright, we will set up camp here tonight and continue our journey tomorrow morning. We will be sleeping in shifts as there might be some minor Espers roaming about. So try to remain quiet and as vigilant as possible."

Nissa nods solemnly and watches as Samara heads towards the back of the leviathan, taking out 2 sleeping bags that were stowed away inside one of the storage compartments along the rear wall. She places them down outside of the leviathan and beckons for Nissa to come outside.

 

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