Freedom Isn't Free

Chapter I Part I: Introduction

His heart ached at the memory and he let out a shuddering breath, hoping that Kate didn't notice. But judging by her expression she did.

He steered away from those thoughts and chose something much more positive. Even if it is a little negative. "So you're saying that I'm not a good leader? Why don't you join the other factions, then?"

Kate's face scrunched up in distaste. "Ugh, ew, no. Neutral's too boring and Cameron is a huge jerk." Kate rolled her eyes and went over to the bookshelves. "You, on the other hand, are fun and unpredictable. One moment you're studying the next you're out in the fields training the rookies on a random schedule. It's a little funny to be honest."

Soren shrugged. "It's what I do. I thought your brain would've developed more when I told you this last week, but looks like it's still the size of an eraser." He cracked a smile, watching Kate's face turn red.

She crossed her arms and glared at him. He could vaguely remember the last time she did that. Blurry images of flying pork, tomatoes and icing on his face. "Oh screw you. At least I don't have back problems from slouching a lot." Well, that got to him. He can't really counter that. Of course with his job he's almost always cooped up in this room. Messaging the other guys aren't really that hard to do since phones still exist but she still has a good point in going out his room more.

"Can you please just tell me why you came here, other than to report?" Soren unfolded his hands, genuinely curious of her sudden entrance earlier. He'd been so caught up with their little bickering that he forgot to ask. Did she just want to hang out? Most of the time when she did come to him it was only for that reason. Always choosing him as a partner Soren didn't really get why she couldn't just ask the others. 

"What's with the new mission?"

That was sudden.

Soren took a moment to process what she just said. Right. That mission he posted on the board in the main room. "...Care to elaborate?"

"I mean, why send out almost all of the stronger warriors and their partners for one supply hunt? It's not even a hunt, more like 'go to the kingdom and buy stuff' task. What's with that?"

"Kate, have you not been listening to the news?" Kate gave a firm shake of her head. Soren sighed and rubbed his temples. Best friend or not Kate was irritating sometimes. "For some reason resources have been dwindling in numbers. People reported seeing a lot of trees cut down without the permission of the authorities, some of the best water sources have been polluted and dried up. There's a lot more to this, but that's the bigger part of it. The other factions have been trying to get supplies too and no doubt about it we'll get ambushed by Cameron's goons at some point." Her face showed clear shock and she shifted her arms to hug herself. "Damn."

He really can't blame her for that. When he heard the news he nearly set the room aflame, and that's why now he has to control himself. Who knew being a sorcerer is tough? Soren shook his head and tightened his ponytail. Events like the ones mentioned made him worried for his comrades and friends. For a long time he's been so protective of them after the split of the factions, and even before then. He's seen so much death in the heat of battles, seen the faces of the people who've lost the ones that they love.

"Now do you see why this task is so important?"

"Yeah, fine. I get it now." Kate paced around the room, her brown hair cascading down her back as she tried to fix it. "It's just that I'm worried. What if this place gets attacked while we're out getting supplies? Won't this place get raided? I thought you're all out for balance and you kind of tipped the scales here."

She has a good point, he'll admit that. "That's the thing, actually. I can't seem to balance things out with who should stay and who should go. Cameron's faction is a little unpredictable. If we go out we only few members we could get overpowered, same thing happens if most of us go and they decide to raid."

"Is this why you've been training the newbies?"

"Yes. This task has a deadline and we need to get as much supplies as possible so I have to work them double-time. I do feel bad for doing it though, I know they're tired but I want everyone to be safe and alive." Soren regrets doing it. He sees everything, even if people think he doesn't. Their pained faces after training, fake smiles when he looks at them, he sees it all.

Kate fell silent, leaning on a shelf and taking out a book. It was a slightly thick history book, probably about this world and not Earth. Those kinds of books are rare to find apparently, as the person who gave it to him told him that it was the only one he could find.

He felt his heart ache again. Earth... How long has it been? With gritted teeth and a fake smile, he moved on to another topic. Being around those newbies makes you learn new things, he noted. "Anyways. Is there something else you would like to share? Perhaps something a bit more enlightening, I did just drop a heavy bomb on you."

"We might have another guy in the faction soon. The neutrals are sending us letters of possibly having one, if not two, new members joining our side. So there's that." She flipped through several pages of the book, looking at the pictures.

'New members? Well, this makes life easier.'  Soren's face lit up at the thought of having new members. Numbers don't mean anything to him right now. What if those two are the ones going to change the tides? "Huh...Well, we'll need all the help that we can get, so this makes a difference. If that's all, feel free to leave." He gathered up some papers and organized them, getting ready to leave for training.

Kate shrugged and put the book back in its original place and began to leave. She was halfway out the door when she realized something. "Wait. Have you even eaten yet? It's already past noon." She turned back to look at Soren who had suspiciously froze in place. Said sorcerer took a deep breath and began to clean up silently.

Kate stomped her foot. "Goddammit Soren, are you serious? This is the fourth time this week! I'm getting you food and feeding you whether you like it or not! This is not a healthy habit." Cursing out some profanities as she walked out the door, Soren held back his laughter.

"Doubt it. I bet you're gonna eat most of it."

"I hate you!"

"Love you too."

Kate yelled out in frustration and Soren let out the pent-up laughter that he had, nearly dropping the papers he was going to store in a folder. It was fun having her around all the time. She always made him laugh even when things are looking bleak. He stopped his laughter when he heard the sounds of rejoicing in the other room. Looks like things are going well now.

The sorcerer composed himself and let out a chuckle. "Now then, time to study again. Hopefully I can get this spell right already..." Soren picked up his spell book, opening it where he placed his little star bookmark. At least things are a bit more peaceful now.

"YOU ASSHOLES GET BACK OVER HERE AND GIVE ME BACK MY GODDAMN PHONE!"

The light smile on his face as he walked out of the room grew wider as he heard Kate's scream.

~=*=~

I am so sorry for posting this so late omfg. I had to rewrite this so many times ahaha. Anyways, here you go! Chapter 1 part 1 of FIF. Please leave feedback and/or suggestions if you have any!

Have a fantastic day, everyone~

~*Ace*~