Chapter 13

                                    

                                          


(Mitch' POV) 
                          
     Seto kept us working apart from the other soldiers for days. General Ant gave up on yelling at him. The craziest part is that I really don't mind. It actually makes me feel really happy to be around all these people. I even feel comfortable around Sky. I've known Jerome since we were little, but it's strange to feel like I also know the others. 
                          
     My new bow has a stronger drawback then my old one, but that also gives it have more power. The worn grooves on the grip fit my hand perfectly. All of us are getting better with the weapons Seto have us. Sky already had a gold sword, but some other metal is actually mixed in to make it stronger. Him and Jerome spar a bit since their weapons have such a similar range. Quinten has learned the basics of sword fighting, but just like the legendary hero said, the Piscus hybrid is more fond of explosions. Ty is even figuring out more moves with his spear every day. Strange enough, Seto gave Ssunndee a crossbow and a knife along with the shuriken belt. I also carry a knife for emergencies, but he's barely touched the shurikens since the first day of training.
                          
     Seto seems to remind us every hour that the squids are planning a massive attack. General Ant has even gotten more then a few reminders. He keeps saying it, but I haven't seen a single one since the small attack at the river. Things were very quiet. That's probably why I was so startled when an alarm horn screamed through camp in the middle of the night. I practically fall out of my bed, instantly awake from all the practice drills. 
                          
     My bow and quiver are already in my hands before I hear Sero's voice in my head. "Tower. Now". 
                          
     When I first run outside, it's practically pitch dark outside and people are running and yelling everywhere. A pole torch suddenly flares to light with purple flame. The fire jumps from pole to pole until most of the camp is lit up. I don't see any squids yet, so it's probably a scout on guard that sounded the alarm. I ignore orders from my General or unit leader and head for Seto's tower. I get pushed and jostled by other people on the way. By the time I make it to the tower, I can see all the others also arriving. Seto and Sky are already waiting for us. I catch the tail end of their conversation. 
                          
     ".......... and I can't do that. Sorcerer magic grows with age, and I've been around for a good while", Seto is saying. He winces when he clams some metal bracelets onto his own wrists, and even stumbles a bit. Sky pulls his back up, shocked. 
                          
     "What are those things doing? Are they hurting you?", he tries to pull them off. 
                          
     Seto pulls away. "No, No I'm fine. It's just been a while since I used these. They restrain my magic to something more normal. It'll break everything if I fight at full strength".
                          
     Full strength, huh? Seto did freeze time in the entire camp. That's pretty powerful. I've never actually seen him fight, only heal with those portions of his. Jerome is at my side just a second after I stop in front of the two of them. Ty and Jason come next, and then Ssunndee and Quinten. The latter is fiddling with some sort of bomb. It makes me a little nervous. 
                          
      "The squids have finally made their move. Now, we have to make ours", Seto regains his composer quickly enough, "There's an entire army to fight with us, but there are also more squids. We can't lose again, friends". 
                          
     "I'm gonna have to teach this new squid king a lesson. Nobody messes with my home", Sky cracks his knuckles and draws his sword. 
                          
     "I'm so ready to kick some squid but! How does calamari sound for tomorrow's menu?", Jerome slides the axe off his back and rolls his shoulders. 
                          
     I can feel it now; that need to fight for something greater then myself. This battle is meant to be won to protect this land. Hell, Seto was made immortal to ensure that we would have our weapons and fight. This ends today and now.