CHAPTER10
1128 Words
CRYSTAL
Standing alone in the training courtyard, sunlight filtering through the trees, I felt a surge of anticipation. Today was the day Niklaus had tasked me with teaching the recruits sword fighting. But as usual, no one seemed interested in talking to me, let alone learning from me. I glanced at the recruits, their backs turned to me, chatting among themselves. They didn't see me as a leader or someone worth listening to. But that didn't matter. I was determined to prove myself, even if no one else believed in me."Um, hey guys," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I guess we're gonna learn sword fighting today."The recruits barely glanced in my direction, their attention focused elsewhere. I felt a pang of loneliness, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. Taking a deep breath, I raised my sword, trying to project confidence even though I felt anything but. "So, uh, let's start with the basics..."As I began the lesson, I couldn't shake the feeling of being invisible, of not belonging. But I refused to let it deter me.
I started explaining the basics, I noticed the recruits pairing off with their friends or partners they had chosen on their own accord. It was like they were ghosting me, as if I wasn't even there, man. I felt a lump in my throat as they walked away, laughing and chatting with each other like I was invisible. It stung, you know? But I wasn't gonna let their cold shoulder bring me down."Hey, guys," I called out, trying to sound chill. "I can show you how to do it right if you're interested."But they just brushed me off, too busy doing their own thing to give me the time of day. It sucked, but I wasn't gonna let it get to me. Turning to the few recruits who were still hanging around, I tried to sound confident. "Alright, let's start with the basic stance. Like, check it out..."As I showed them the stance, I could feel their eyes on me, finally giving me some attention. It was a small win, but it kept me going. Today might not have kicked off like I'd hoped, but I wasn't backing down. I was gonna show them that even though they were sleeping on me, I could still bring it. Today, I was gonna prove I'm not just some invisible nobody.
I showed the stance to the few recruits still listening, I couldn't shake this overwhelming feeling of frustration and sadness creeping up on me. It was like, no matter what I did, I was always gonna be the odd one out, the one nobody wanted to listen to. And then, I saw Niklaus watching us from the edge of the courtyard. His expression was stone-cold, unreadable, but I could feel his judgment piercing through me. It was like he already decided I wasn't good enough like he knew I couldn't teach squat. But how could he even know that? How could he just assume I suck at this? The thought ate away at me as I carried on with the lesson, trying my best to hide how much it was getting to me. But deep down, I couldn't shake off this feeling of not being enough, of not being good at anything. When the lesson ended and everyone split, I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Watching Niklaus walk away without a second glance, hit me hard. Maybe he was right. Maybe I ain't cut out for this. But as the sadness engulfed me, I made a promise to myself. I might not be the best at this teaching gig, but I ain't giving up. Tomorrow's a new day, and I'll show Niklaus, the recruits, and myself that I'm more than what they think.
With tears streaming down my face, I grabbed my sword and stormed off into the woods, feeling beyond frustrated and disappointed. Those guys back at the training ground were just not getting it, and I needed to blow off some steam. Finding a quiet spot away from everyone, I started going ham with my sword. I swung that thing like there was no tomorrow, taking out all my anger on the surrounding trees. It was like therapy, man. Hours flew by as I slashed and hacked away, and when I finally stopped, I was dead tired but also feeling kinda zen. It was like I'd taken control of the situation, even if just for a little bit. As I trudged back to camp, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Yeah, maybe those dudes didn't think I was good enough, but out here in the woods, I was in my element.
I headed back to the barracks, still riding high from my practice session, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard Niklaus's voice behind me. I spun around to find him standing there, looking all serious and stuff. He sauntered over, and I could feel the fear creeping up my spine. What was he gonna say? Was I in trouble? " Where were you all this time?" he asked, his tone no-nonsense. I gulped, trying to keep my cool. "Uh, just practising," I mumbled, hoping he'd buy it. He stared at me for what felt like ages, making me squirm under his gaze. Then, without saying anything else, he brushed past me and headed into the barracks. I let out a shaky breath, relieved that he didn't go off on me. But then he called everyone to attention and dropped the bombshell: "Alright, listen up, recruits! Everyone better be in bed by 8 pm sharp. No sneaking out, got it?"His words hung in the air like a warning, and I knew I better not mess around if I wanted to stay on his good side. With a sinking feeling in my gut, I followed the others inside, already dreading the strict bedtime rule. Man, being a recruit was tougher than I thought.
Niklaus dropped the bomb about the new bedtime rule, and the whole barracks erupted in groans and complaints. It was like he'd just killed the vibe we had going. People started grumbling and bitching about it, pissed off by the sudden change in plans. I could see it on their faces—pure annoyance and frustration. I mean, seriously, It felt like Niklaus was just being a buzzkill for no good reason. But hey, what could we do? Niklaus was the boss around here, and if he said lights out at 8 pm, then lights out it was. Even if it sucked. So, with heavy hearts and empty stomachs, we dragged our asses to our bunks, griping the whole way. Man, what a mood killer.
- Writer
