10 Red Hot Battalion! Part 1

The night was restless. Morey constantly tossed and turned, trying to shut his stupid mind of all thoughts. Unfortunately, when unable to sleep, thinking was all he could do.

So what if he wasn't a saint? He was sure as hell better than most assholes out there. He wasn't one who went around and beat the weak. He didn't rob, he didn't steal, he didn't hurt anyone undeserving. He may not be a good guy, but he sure as hell won't be the bad guy.

Besides, he has more to gain anyways. Playing the good guy will certainly work in the long run. As long as they don't try to walk all over him, he wouldn't mind getting into that role.

Yeah... That can work. Screw fate, He won't fall into that role that the stupid drunk said, he'll be just fine.

Now with that no longer bothering him he'll be able to go off and slee-

"They're here!" a stupid, idiotic, annoying ass soldier screamed, causing for an alarm to go off and the soldiers to go ballistic.

William jumped out of bed and began putting on the armor he left hanging by the bed, while Morey slowly slid off the bed.

"Ah! You're already awake! Good! Let's hurry up and suit up!" William shouted as he put on the blood red armor Morey only saw in pictures and paintings. The suite was more intimidating in person, especially with William's looming figure. The armor in of itself was sharp with darkened stains at the tip. Everywhere that William could swing was sharpened to be an elongated spike. The shoulders, head, and kneecaps all had sharp spikes poking out of them.

The blood armor was a contrast to William's happy go lucky attitude, and the helmet only did more to add to the discomfort. It covered his entire face, with only a slit for his eyes and some small holes for him to breath through. If it wasn't for his voice, Morey would have been terrified.

"Well! It's been a while since I wore this thing, but it still fits like a glove!" William laughed, "I wonder how well everyone else is doing!"

Morey tried not to let the contrasting tone of "imposing figure" and "jolly old guy" get to him and answered, "I'm pretty sure they were prepared before we even got here."

"That's where you're wrong Morey, no plans ever survive the first contact, the first set of gear they may have might not work out well due to some inconsistent flow of enemies. Or maybe the eruption will cause other events to occur as well. We don't know," William lectured as he pulled out his sword from his box and placed it on the sheath on his back.

That did little to ease the discomfort on Morey.

He tried not to think about it as he went to one of the many closets in the room that held his thick leather gear. It wasn't much but it was better than nothing.

"Whoah Morey! You won't be taking that into battle," William laughed as he opened a different closet.

"What do you mea- Ohhh!"

The armor held in the stand was a pristine bright grey. Along the shoulder area was a blood red cape similar in texture as William's armor. Unlike his dragon armor, however, it lacked any of the jagged spikes that would've protruded out. The armor had a sleek elegant design to it, yet it didn't feel exquisite. It was focused on the practicality rather than the aesthetics, yet the light armor design makes it all the more fitting for the young boy.

"It's...amazing," Morey whispered, his hands sliding across the metal plates.

"It's certainly something, and it's all yours!" William shouted enthusiastically.

Morey, entranced by the armor, gave a rare genuine smile, "Can't wait to try it out. Thanks!"

"Save the thanks by putting it in action! Let's go!"

Outside, the soldiers were running rampant, setting up barracks, moving weapons, and shouting directions at each. The three leaders: Carlos, Carter, and Ellie, were all standing atop a house barking orders at the men below.

"Get going!"

"We don't have au day!"

"Maggots! they don't go over there! The front line will be on the other side!"

"The summoners better be ready!"

"Where de heu are de scouts!"

"Damn they mean business," Morey commented now sporting the armor he was gifted.

"Well, yes...erm... but why do you sound so surprised?" William asked.

"They're so different from yesterday, and I guess I kinda wrote them off as a comedy act," Morey admitted, "Especially that drunk lieutenant."

"Ah, that's understandable, they can be….eccentric, but they didn't get in their ranks by just being a 'comedy act,'" William explained, walking towards the gates, "We should try to put a bit more faith in them. After all, they are just as important in this battle as we are."

"Yeah," Morey muttered, "Still don't like it though." As they kept walking some soldiers ran by them, shoving Morey to the side.

"Out of de way assholes!" One of them yelled.

"Why you!" Morey growled.

"Morey!" William shouted.

"Arggh! Come on, at least let me punch him!"

"Morey…" William warned.

"Fine!" The boy relented, picking up his pace.

The next batch of soldiers whizzed by and another one crashed into Morey's shoulder. Before Morey or the soldier could say anything, William grabbed the man by his shoulders.

"You should be careful," William said ominously.

The soldier paled, yet he attempted to give a glare, one that William returned. For a second the soldier attempted to stare him down, but in the end the soldier backed down and walk away disgruntled.

Of course William was able to get them to stop.

If only Morey had that kind of power…

He shook his head, reminding himself of his plan. He was going to be labeled as a good guy and then have a smooth time here, without enemies or trouble. He can then train and gain soul fragments easily. Who knows, he might make some useful allies as well.

Before Morey could continue to fantasize the benefits of being labelled a "good guy," an explosion was heard from the outskirts of the village.

"Looks like it's starting," Ellie tensed.