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Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 01

By: MNFaulkner



Welcome to Animum Unum: Becoming SEM! As with many stories, I know that this will start off slow. Hang in there, and I will try to update with another chapter soon. This is my first submission on Literotica, so please be kind with any constructive criticism!

*****

Nullian Emergence Academy. It was what I had worked for during my two years of post-high school education. Only thirty percent of applicants were accepted, and it was the best paying job, so everyone wanted this career path. To be Nullian Emergence Military was to have prestige. People respected you. People trusted you. And I studied my butt off to earn my spot in the academy.

I was fresh out of my two years spent at college. It was a fun experience and I had made some friends that I had to leave behind, but enrolled because I was adamant about disproving my father. All of my life he had tried to protect me from hardship, and I was treated without respect. I learned early on in life that I had to demand it. This was the one sure way that I could guarantee that attribute from others. Although, having ties to the government did help me along the way, despite the fact that I wanted to do it on my own.

My father, Senator Phillip Calloway, held political pull in the Naturian government, which was one of the four magic wielding governments. The alternative continent was that of the Nullians, who didn't have any magical capabilities. When the dark magic users, or Daimons, began to rise up against the Nullians, the other magic wielding continents were forced to ally with one or the other. At first, the Naturian, Angelian, and Staturian nations decided to remain neutral. But, the Daimons targeted all of the continents, forcing each to side with Nullians. I hadn't even been born when all of the fighting began. 

Now that I was twenty, the Nullians and allied magic wielders had collaborated and built NEA, which was located in the heart of Nullia. The school was prestigious, as well as mysterious, and was difficult to get into. I knew that my decision to apply would displease my father and, to be honest, I couldn't help my curiosity. When I had been accepted, I tried to gather more information about the facility, but there wasn't much that anyone could tell me. A car would escort us to the academy, but would not disclose an address of give any directions.

The car I was riding in bumped along a dirt road, and I bounced in the back seat of the luxury sedan. When we emerged from the thick forest we drove through, the road turned into a cobblestone path and my driver pulled up to the large guarded gate next to other curbed vehicles. The walls of the structure were intimidating as it were, and I had the slight feeling that weapons were pointed our way despite the clearance onto the road. My driver gulped and, after assessing the fortress before him, he turned around to face me. 

"Shall I escort you in, Ms. Calloway?" As usual, David was diligent in ensuring my well being. 

"No, David. I can manage," I told him with a smile. I slid across the leather and exited the car before walking to the trunk to retrieve my duffel. I hadn't brought much from home, but I had packed a bag full of my necessities. Toiletries, clothes, shoes, pictures, and a few of my favorite books were stuffed into the limited space. Slinging the heavy bag over my shoulder, I turned and nodded toward my chauffeur. 

"Thanks, David. Have a safe flight home and give my mom and dad one last hug for me," I said while I turned to stare up at the looming doom that I had signed up for. I looked back to him.

He smiled and nodded. "I will be sure to, miss." He gave me a salute. "Good luck, soldier." 

He looked so silly doing it that I couldn't help but laugh. I returned his farewell

gesture with a grin plastered on my face. After he drove away, I turned to the massive fortress before me. The whole estate was guarded by a forty or fifty foot brick wall with towers every forty feet. 

This would be my home for the next two years. 

I approached the iron gate and a man in an enclosed booth fingered me over. "Name?" he asked.

"Mia Calloway," I said, my voice breaking.

He typed on a computer before him and looked back at me."I need proof of identity. If you have a passport along with your student I.D., I would like to see those. 

"Sure," I replied before digging through my bag. Everything was a mess since

the soldiers at the check point had conducted an inspection. I found the appropriate documents and handed them over through the small opening under the plexy glass. He scanned them with a laser gun, and typed some more on his keyboard before he handing them back. After I received them, he ushered me toward the gate. 

"Welcome to hell," he breathed while the gates creaked open. 

I followed the path in and received my first real view of the Academy. I passed through the entrance and the mother of all fortresses stood before me, beckoning me to explore the walls within. The institution was a series of tall castle-like buildings connected by covered walkways. The main portion of the castle was taller than the walls that guarded it, with large wings branching off. There were also walkways which connected some of the adjacent areas, while other quarters were connected from ground to rooftop. 

The front was landscaped with a large fountain in the front, a lighted sign in the middle reading Nullian Emergence Academy with the mascot above it. The iconic magic wielders of each class surrounded a Nullian in military uniform. A large, opal shaped quartz was held in the hand of the Angelian, whereas emerald, sapphire, ruby, diamond, and onyx were fashioned into the robe of the Naturian. A polished tungsten band was molded around the Staturian's wrist, and a Totian adorned all of the stones in an intricate necklace around her neck. All of the magic users were females whereas the Nullian in the middle was male. The sculpture was carved of marble and had been crafted with expertise. After I had my fill of admiration, I joined the swarms of new students and headed through the double doors into the receiving hall. 

Upon acceptance, I had made preparations to reside in the dorms located within the vicinity. I would be sharing a room with two other girls, all first year students. I was unsure what my roommates would be like, but we all had the commonality of working hard to get here. It would be a good way to break the ice at the very least. I bumped into other students, male and female since it was a co-ed institution. The dormitories were also co-ed, but the shower rooms were gender specific. 

A large suitcase bumped into my right, knocking me off balance. I caught myself and was able to right my stance without falling flat on my face. I didn't have time to chastise my assaulter, and shook it off before averting my attention to the hallway before me. Upon entering the great hall, a vaulted ceiling lit with candle chandeliers boasted the building's elegance. Wood work was prevalent throughout, and the building had been updated by evidence of the elevator between the staircases.

"Move it along, small fry," a large Neanderthal looking student ushered me from behind. 

"Erm... sorry," I muttered before shrinking away. 

He must have been a Nullian due to his large size. I tried to make myself inconspicuous as I joined the crowd. Since the line was moving along at a snail's pace, I decided to take the stairs rather than wait for the lift to arrive at the bottom. Many of the other students also ascended the wooden steps toward their rooms. 

"Home for the next two years!" a male student ahead of me exclaimed to his buddy. He didn't appear much older than me. 

"That's if you make it past the first examination!" was his classmate's rebuttal. 

I reached the third level and began the search for my room. I had remembered from an email that it could be located down the left hall and on the right. The room wasn't too hard to find, and sure enough it was labeled with the number I was given, '008'. With a deep breath, I opened the door and was surprised to find my two roommates unpacking in the small space. They stopped their work when I appeared, and watched me as I slung my bag onto the empty bed.

The room was small, but I assumed that we would be transferred to more comfortable quarters once we ascended the military food chain. After assessing my new home, I turned to my roommates and held out a hand to the nearest person. We would be living very closely from this day forth.

"I'm Mia. Mia Calloway. Nice to meet you." I smiled and waited for her to take my hand. 

She was blonde with delicate features. She studied me, looking me up and down from head to toe. Then, she slapped my hand away. It didn't hurt, but the action damaged me more than the physicality of it.

"We know who you are, Calloway. Don't pretend to be our friend," she spat at me. 

I stared at her, incredulous. "Excuse me?"

She turned back to her bag and continued unpacking her things. "Unlike you, we had to work hard to get into this program. There was no shoo-in from daddy," she accused me. 

I had suspected that it might come up. Of course people were going to think that my father helped me gain entrance into the school. What they didn't understand was that I had to work just as hard as the rest of them, especially to make it through this program. The military wasn't favorable of social statuses. Power didn't make a cognitive and efficient soldier; Education and training did. 

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. "So that's what you think? That, because of

my father's title and position that I was welcomed with open arms?"

She laughed and turned to our dark haired roommate. "Uh, yeah."

The other girl snickered and tried to hide her ugly grin behind a manicured hand. Nice. A manicure. She wouldn't last long.

I walked by her with an authority I didn't possess. I was shooting for confident."Nice to know what my colleagues are like. Maybe I'll ask my prestigious father to

have you kicked from the program," I bluffed.

Her face fell, but turned to a sneer. "You can't do that. He doesn't have that much influence."

"Maybe we'll see," I threatened and finished pulling my own belongings from my bag. I set toiletries on my nightstand and attempted to bring some order to my clothes. When I turned to get hangers from my closet, she stood in front of me, blocking the way. 

"Move," I ordered.

She ignored me and continued to glare. I must have hit a nerve with that last threat. 

"If I'm removed from this program, I will come after you." She tried to tower over

me, but we were the same height. I almost laughed. 

"I'm so scared," I mocked. 

She mustn't have picked up on my sarcasm and sneered. "You should be."

I brushed past her to retrieve my hangers, and went back to my bed to finish my work. I was making friends already.



After I finished putting away my clothes, I decided to get some dinner in the mess hall. I knew that it was located on the first floor, but was still unsure as to where. The academy was stunning with the décor of historical artifacts and paintings on display. I suspected that they were all replicas, but a closer look revealed that they were, in fact, real. It made sense. There probably wasn't any place safer in Nullia than the academy. It just didn't make sense to barge into an area where thousands of soldiers were training.

A turn down the right wing led me to the sound of chatter and clanging dishes. There were round tables set aside from a cafeteria style food bar, and I stood in one line as I waited. The people ahead of me and behind me were engaged in their own small group conversations, so that left me with no one to talk to. Not only did my roommates already hate me, but I was having a hard time making friends. I hoped that it would improve as classes progressed. 

"What'll it be?" The lunch tenant asked. She looked like a soldier who was made to do kitchen duty. She didn't smile, and I felt more like I was bothering her. 

I shrugged."I'll have whatever is on the menu."

"Suit yourself," she said before awarding me a spoonful of whatever she was dishing up from the pan in front of her.

I stared at the muck, unsure if I could force it down. "What is it?"

"Chorizo casserole. Try it. You'll like it," she grinned. 

"Thanks," I uttered before finding a place to sit and pick through it. 

I found a table toward the back and sat by myself. I enjoyed people watching, and came up with my own formulations as I watched a group of friends argue, another couple act intimately, but not enough to look official, and some of the Captains interacting at their own table. Hierarchy was prevalent in the facility. While I studied my superiors, there was one who stood out at the Captain's table. He was dressed in casual military attire, and he didn't converse with his colleagues. Instead, he picked through his food, much in the same way I was, and let his fork fall. Picking his head up, his eyes met mine. 

They were so blue. 

Never in my life had I ever witnessed such intense eyes. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. He couldn't have been real, he was so attractive. His jaw was cut strong and his face was clean shaven. His brows furrowed over his cerulean blue eyes in a masculine way. He inclined his face and a few strands of his hair fell over his eyes in a sexy manner. He just looked at me for the longest moment, as if he knew me. I looked to my left and right, unsure if he was staring at someone behind me instead. When I turned back around he was gone.

That was interesting. Confused, I shoveled my dinner into my mouth and finished the disgusting food in record time before heading back to my room. The halls were quiet, with a few students scattered throughout. Those eyes continued to haunt me in the darkness of the corridors. I had to know him from somewhere. Maybe I had met him at a ball that I had attended alongside my father or a socialite event with my mother. Aside from the familiarity, his expression held more meaning. There was something almost sad about the way he assessed me.

When I got off the elevator and turned down the hall, I anticipated the next round of arguing and glares that would ensue once I opened my bedroom door. I was glad to find it empty when I entered. Relishing in the peace and quiet at the end of a strenuous day, I stripped my clothes and pulled on a large t-shirt to sleep in, before finishing my nighttime routine. My bed had never appeared more welcoming when I settled into the soft mattress with a sigh. It was a long day, but the next day would be even longer. Tomorrow was first day of NEM classes. I didn't know what to expect, but knew that it would change my life forever. It wasn't uncommon for people who enlisted to change. I expected it. I set my alarm and drew the covers to my chin before drifting off into an uncomfortable sleep.



When I awoke the next morning, I was surprised to find that my alarm hadn't roused me. The sun was streaming in, and I was glad to have a little extra time to get ready. As I sat up and looked around, I glanced at my clock. There was a piece of paper blocking the time, and I filled with dread as I read the message, 'Don't be late, Calloway!'. I jumped out of bed and ripped the offending parchment from my faithful appliance to discover that I had ten minutes to get to class.

"Those bitches!" I screamed before scrambling for my uniform.

I wouldn't get to take the shower I had wanted and, to make matters worse, my hair wasn't cooperative today. I yanked on my pants and top and secured my hair into the best ponytail I could muster. I threw the jacket over my shoulders and, since I didn't have time to eat breakfast or brush my teeth, I grabbed my bag and text books and rushed out the door hungry and with my mouth feeling gross. I glanced at my watch and noticed that class had already started. 

"Shit, shit, shit!" I hurried toward homeroom with my hair askew, from the running, and uniform disarray because I hadn't taken the time to tuck it in. Books threatened to spill out of my arms as I flew from the elevator and turned down the hallway. According to my memory, my homeroom was across from the infirmary. If I ran, I might make it there ten minutes late. Rounding another corner, I didn't see the large body in front of me as I collided with the solid barrier. 

"Oof!" I huffed as my materials escaped my arms and fell to the floor. Frantic, I began scooping them up and arranging them in a neat pile before me. A pair of polished leather military boots came into view and I could make out the vague shadow hovering over me, the ominous figure motioning as if straightening a tie. A tie. The only people who wore ties in the institution were instructors or, more formally, captains. 

Crap. 

"Do you have a hall pass?" A deep voice inquired without the least amount of remorse. He didn't help me to pick up my things so I already knew that I was facing a conceited asshole. 

"Sorry?" I asked while I collected my stack and stood with a clumsy attempt. I looked up into the face of the Captain from last night. Aside from his attractive features, he was built broad with strong arms crossed against his broad chest and his SEM uniform. My breath caught in my chest as I witnessed the same stare from last night. 

He raised an eyebrow above his piercing gaze. "A hall pass. Do you have one?"

His voice brought me back to reality and I snapped my mouth shut, which had fallen open somehow, before averting my gaze."Oh! I, uh... don't. It's my first day." I looked down at my books, embarrassed. He had a way of making me feel ashamed of myself just from the looks he gave me.

"I see," he replied. "Your name?"

I furrowed my brows at his curious question and answered, "Mia. Mia Calloway."

He smirked and stated, "Ah, yes. I know who you are. Senator Calloway's daughter."

I felt relief spread throughout me as I silently thanked my father and his status.

The captain took out a notepad and scribbled on it before ripping off the paper to hand to me. "One hour's detention to be served in classroom 109. Tardiness will lead to an extra hour."

"What?!" I snatched the paper and stared at his neat handwriting. "But, that's unfair! I'm completely new here!"

A frown marred his handsome features. "Let's not make it two hours for whining, Ms. Calloway."

I bit back my anger and grimaced. I would have to give in or I would earn more detention time. I closed my eyes and counted to four before replying, "Yes, sir."

The corner of his mouth twitched, but he maintained composure. "And, must I remind you that if you pass the Special Emergence Military exam, the enemy won't care whether you are new. Let this be a lesson to you that a novice status won't protect you from repercussion. Neither will the fact that you are a senator's daughter."

I wanted to narrow my eyes, fuming that he would imply that I couldn't make it through the program. Instead, I took another breath and ground out, "Yes, sir."

He straightened to his full height above me, his eyes peering down at me. "Captain Remington," he corrected. "I will see you at sixteen hundred hours, then." He nodded before continuing down his intended path. 

I could have punched a hole in the wall. My first day and I was already making an excellent impression on faculty. 



After finding the right room, I walked in greeted by stares and a quiet stillness as the professor paused with her lecture. Heaviness settled on me as I searched for an open seat among a sea of judgmental expressions. I found an empty desk close to the back and the right aisle and hurried into it. When I sat, the instructor resumed her rant without giving me reprimand. I was thankful for that.


Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 01



I dug through my bag and opened my notebook to take notes on the lecture, even though I was familiar with the information. I had read the week before and always liked the advantage of working ahead. I had no doubts that the study portion to become SEM would be easy, but it was the physicality of the profession that gave rise to my uncertainty. I still had some difficulty with conjuring. My attention shifted as the professor's lecture turned to an introduction.

"For those of you who are not aware, my name is Miranda Vu. I will be your homeroom teacher here at NEA. Our program at this institution is designed to help you pass the SEM entrance exam and to become Special Emergence Military. Those of you, who are lucky, will be offered a position in our military following graduation. Those who do not earn a military position, but still pass the exam, will be required to remain in the reserves and find work elsewhere. Given your military knowledge, alternative work can be quite limiting, not to mention low salary."

I took a deep breath and gulped. So, if I didn't become an officer after it all, I would be facing a mediocre job making only enough to survive. Nice outlook.

"Now, are there any Nullians in the room who aren't familiar with the magic using classes?"

A few hands went up and I took note of my classmates' status'. This program was emergent, but there still appeared to be some segregation between the races. It almost appeared as if the Nullians placed themselves above us, seated in a separate section of desks. I also noticed that the majority of them were males, with a few females scattered throughout. What was even more interesting was that most of the magic wielders were females. Maybe there was a census to be met. 

Professor Vu adjusted her glasses. "Very well. Students who don't possess this common knowledge should take notes since this will be on our first exam."

I readied my pen just in case professor Vu disclaimed something I didn't already know. 

"There are four classes of magic users that we know of. First, we have the Angelians, or white magic users. Conjurers of this type will usually specialize in healing or other medicinal practices. I am such a conjurer." She paced the length of the front of the room with her hands clasped behind her back. "Next, there are Naturians. Within this category, there are five different specialties, but it isn't uncommon for a wielder to employ a couple to all types. Earth, water, air, fire, and spirit. The magic varies and depends on the manipulation of the elements.

"Then, we have Staturians, or grey magic users. These summoners call upon status impediment magic. It is pretty dangerous since they can manipulate the hormones in your body to induce sleep or even cause death. Although, these magic users are far and few since it is a very difficult type to conjure. Some Staturians don't even realize that they possess the ability until it is too late to develop it."

She stopped her pacing and faced the class for the next part of her lecture. "I'm sure you are all aware of who and what Daimons are. This race wields black magic and have declared themselves as the common enemy that SEM has allied against. As most of you are aware, magic works in a way that a person has to focus on emotions, or a sixth sense if you will, to manipulate energy. Daimons are originally bad people. To be able to conjure the conniving and deceitful magic that their race is dependent on, they would have to embrace a dark lifestyle. Since we haven't had much experience with them, we are unsure as to how they actually function as a society. 

"And lastly, there are Totians. If anyone can tell me what kind of magic they specialize in, I will award one point of extra credit to their exam."

Silence ensued while professor Vu waited for an answer. It had to be a trick question since Totian's didn't specialize in one type of magic. When no one raised their hand, professor Vu opened her mouth to continue her lecture but, before she could speak, I raised a timid hand. 

The professor's hands found her hips as she locked eyes with me while her mouth formed a thin line. "Yes?"

All heads turned to me and I slouched in my seat in a desperate attempt to escape peering eyes. I wanted that extra credit, but not at the expense of receiving all of the attention. 

My tongue darted out to lick my lips and I began, "Well." I cleared my throat. "Totians don't specialize in one exclusive magic class and have the ability to wield all types. White, black, grey, and elemental. But, they are even rarer than Staturians. In the event that a person is Totian, their abilities could still be limited to just a few classes instead of all four, but it is not uncommon for them to hold the ability to wield all four with capabilities lying dormant until the appropriate time."

Professor Vu rewarded me with a small smile. "Well done. Your name?"

I straightened in my chair. Finally, something has gone my way. "Mia Calloway," I answered.

Her eyebrows shot up. "Ms. Calloway, daughter of the Senator Calloway?"

I cringed. Damn it. Not again. 

"Yeah."

She nodded in a way which spoke approval. "Well, thank you for an excellent answer. Now, if you could make it to class on time, you'd be in good standing."

I gulped and chuckling students returned their attention to the front of the room. "Yes, professor."

She uncrossed her arms and resumed pacing before continuing with her lecture. 



I followed the line of traffic down one side of the hallway. My next class would be held in a room across the building, and I only had ten minutes to get there. I had no doubts as to whether I would make it on time, but I had hoped to secure a seat in the front. The same classmates from the first class shared my route, but few of them noticed me. I was beginning to wonder if my lineage was a curse. I felt like I was being shunned for whom I was related to, despite the fact that I had made it into the academy on my own. 

The archway of my next period came into view, and I entered the classroom with enough time to grab a chair in the front row. Settling in, I retrieved my notebook and pen, and opened my textbook to the first chapter. I didn't want to witness all of the classmates who would overlook me and sit somewhere else. As I was getting into the next section of the book, a girl took the seat next to me. I could almost feel her eyes on me and, from the corner of my eye; I noticed how she opened a notebook. 

"Hey," said a voice from the right. 

I looked up and noticed that she had spoken to me. "Hey," I replied. 

She also had dark hair, but her eyes were blue. She was wearing the University's required uniform, but hers appeared fresh pressed and in place. Aside from that, her features were impeccable. She had full lips and high cheek bones and her smile was addicting. I was envious of her beauty and I felt a little less confident just by looking at her. 

"I'm Alex," she said, crossing her arms on the desk and leaning toward me.

"Mia." 

"Nice to meet you," she smiled.

"Nice to meet you too," I replied. I straightened my notebook in front of me and readied to take notes.

She spoke again, "I'm from Naturia. The Lilium province? You're from the city, aren't you?"

I stared at the paper ahead of me, unsure how I should answer. I hesitated then said, "Yeah, I'm from the Benigma province. But, I'm sure you already knew that?" I turned to her. I hadn't told her that I was from Naturia.

She shrugged. "Kind of. I know that most of the senators live in the city."

I nodded. So she was aware of the fire she was playing with. My roommates had set a target on my back. I wasn't in Captain Remington's favor either. Any friendship at this point may be short lived. With that expectation in mind, I smiled at her. 

"So, what element do perform best?"

"Water. How about you?"

"Spirit. But, I'm decent with earth and air. Fire and water are still tricky for me."

"Well, we'll have to learn more from each other than," she said with a nod. 

Pleased to have made a friend, I turned my attention to the front of the classroom when the professor began his lecture on conjuring. 



After the morning classes, Alex fell into stride next to me as we entered the traffic flow in the hallway. 

"Want to eat lunch together?" she asked. 

"Sure," I replied. 

We entered the line for food and Alex turned to face me. "Did you live in one of those fancy houses with servants?"

I couldn't help my bout of laughter. I was unaware of how it became obvious, but I had to admit that I was impressed at her ability to notice. "Spot on, but I wouldn't say that it made me anymore lady like. In fact, I hated dressing up and mingling in society. You must have some experience in that setting?"

"Yeah, I do." She smiled. "My Uncle is a senator as well. I attended some of the events with my cousin."

I nodded. The last thing I wanted to talk about was the politics of the Naturian government. 

I changed the subject. "How about SEM? Do you have any previous training or experience?"

She shook her head. "I haven't had any combat training yet. I only had the war strategies in the post secondary major. How about you?"

"Yeah, my experience is limited. But, you shouldn't worry about it. I think our next class focuses on physical combat with..." I scanned my schedule. "Oh, no."

"What is it?" she asked. 

"Captain Remington." I closed my eyes as the scorn from the Gods of sadism fell upon me. "I'm not really on his good side and I'm sure that that man hates me."

She laughed. "How can he hate you? He doesn't even know you."

"It's because−"but I wasn't really sure as to why he gave me that weird vibe. I could just feel dislike emanating off of him, but I couldn't be sure of the actual cause. I bit my lip, desperate for an excuse that I could give her.

Alex gave a small laugh. "What is it?"

"Well..." I thought back to that morning. "I sort of scuffed up his perfectly polished boots when I bumped into him before homeroom."

"Is that all?" Alex gave me a skeptical look.

"Yeah." I said, relieved and a little more confident. "That and he can't get over his huge power trip. He gave me an hour of detention for being lost this morn−"

"Make that two hours, Ms. Calloway." A deep voice came from behind.

The hair on my neck stood on end as I recognized his tone. I turned and found the same crystal blue eyes which haunted my mind staring down at me. His expression was stoic and void of emotion. He had folded his arms across his chest and the look on his face was nothing short of condescending. I had had enough. I was tired of being stepped on. I had voiced an opinion, no less. He may be my commanding officer, but there was no way I was going to stand for two hours of detention on my first day of classes. 

I straightened my figure, trying to intimidate him in some unforeseen way with my smaller form. "On what grounds?"

Despite my aggressive tone, he remained calm. "Ridiculing your commanding officer, of course," he stated with the confidence I lacked. 

I shook my head. "Unjustifiable. I was merely relaying an opinion, sir," I said, my voice cracking once. I hoped that I looked more confident than I sounded.

His eyes narrowed at me and with that simple gesture, he radiated with malice. He unfolded his arms and clasped them behind his back, giving me a view of his broad chest. 

"An opinion, which held disrespect and offense toward your superior. Call it a twist of fate given my huge power trip, but I feel inclined to award you with another hour. Failure to comply will result in a week's suspension. Do I make myself clear?" He had spoken with calm, yet I was terrified of his recent display of power. Maybe he had every right to assert his authority.

I couldn't maintain eye contact any longer. I dropped my gaze and watched him from the corner of my eye. "Yes, sir," I conceded. Beneath my lashes, I peered up at his reaction. 

His mouth twitched as if my subservience pleased him. "Good. All three hours are to be served in my office at sixteen hundred hours. I believe we need to have a little chat regarding your insolence."

"Three?! But−"

He gave me a look and my mouth snapped shut.

I glared at the floor refusing to look at him. "Yes, sir."

With a nod, he turned and moved ahead of us in the lunch line. Alex was standing in front of me, a couple of feet of distance between us. She hadn't abandoned me, but her eyes were wide with shock.

She remained quiet while we gathered our lunch, and when we were sitting at a table out of his earshot, she spoke, "Don't cross his path. Even if you are the senator's daughter."

"Yeah..." I began. "He probably thinks the same thing as everyone else. That I was a shoo-in and can't make it on my own."

Alex nudged me. "I don't believe that for a second. You must have talent, or you wouldn't be allowed to attend this academy. You're worrying for nothing." She threw an arm over my shoulders. "And, I'm not really fond of moping so you should just knock it off already or I'll blast that frown off your face."

I smiled at her. "Thanks."

She let her arm fall and began eating lunch. "Just don't get all sentimental on me just yet, Calloway."



I walked into an expansive classroom with Alex forty five minutes later. Like my schedule promised, Captain Remington was standing at the very front, his military uniform replaced by sweats. They hung off of him in all the right places leaving much to the imagination. Next to him were punching bags hanging from the ceiling, and I realized why it was mandatory to bring wrist wraps to class. 

His voice soared over the open area. "You have exactly ten minutes to change and wrap your wrists. If you're late, there will be consequences."

Alex ushered me toward the locker room. "Go, go, go!" 

It was nice to know that I wasn't the only person who feared that man. Now if I could figure out why he had it out for me, I might be getting somewhere. I stripped my uniform and began to pull on my gym clothes. When I finished, I began wrapping my wrists and finished by helping Alex wrap hers. 

"Does it feel tight? It shouldn't be too tight, but snug and supportive."

"I think so," Alex guessed. 

I inspected my handy work. "Good enough, I think." 

We headed back out and Captain Remington was at the ready. Once his time limit had been breached, he began to pace and give his introduction.

"I'm Captain Nathaniel Remington. I am the Nullian who will guide you all in combat training. Those of you who use magic shouldn't have to engage in combat, but should your bonded partner require physical assistance, you will need the skills required to provide him or her aide."

"Bonded partner?" Alex whispered in my ear. I shrugged. 

"We will begin with the basics. Each of you will punch the bag while your partner braces it from behind. Focus on form before the amount of force you use. Power will come in time. Begin."

"Just like that?" I raised my eyebrows at Alex.

"I guess so. You want to hold the bag first or should I?"

"You hold it," I ordered. 

Alex placed herself in position and steadied the bag. I took a stance and prayed that it was to the Captain's satisfactory, since he was perusing the aisles. I jabbed with my right. 

"Whoa! I had no idea that you were that strong." She grinned. "You're so tiny! Where does it all come from?"

"Well," I breathed while I continued to execute jabs, hooks, and combos, "My dad managed to show me a thing or two before I left. Just form, basically, but no real fighting skills."

"Better than nothing." Alex shrugged.

I executed more punches; sweat beginning to bead on my temple and hairline. Then, without warning, I was swiped out from under my feet. I hit the mat with a dull thump and the air was knocked from my lungs. I grimaced as I waited for the ache radiating from my back to my chest to subside. Through a squint, I noticed the Captain staring down at me. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and it was almost as if he wore a slight smirk. 

"Your stance is too weak. Try again." 

"Why don't you actually instruct me instead of berating me?" I grumbled as I shoved myself to my feet. 

"In time, Ms. Calloway. First, you must learn based on experience and perhaps improve on your inadequate strength. Then, the lessons will ensue." He offered a hand, uncharacteristic of my former impression of his personality. I took it, reluctant at first, but was hauled to my feet once his fingers closed around mine. The force of his pull had been so strong, that I didn't regain my balance quick enough and stumbled into his chest. He withdrew as soon as we came into contact with each other. 

"Maybe you should work on your core too. Your balance is a disgrace."

I closed my eyes and counted to five. There were so many things I would have liked to say to him, but I focused on staying professional. Besides, he was handing out detention like candy on Halloween. 

"Yes, sir," I ground out. 

He brushed his chest off and continued his rounds without so much as an acknowledgement. 

Alex steered me toward the back of the bag. "My turn."

Physical combat training continued throughout the hour without any more interactions with Captain Remington. Alex and I had one more lecture to attend for the day, and then we would be free to return to the dormitories or whatever we felt like filling our day with. We entered the classroom and searched for an opening of two seats. After choosing seats near the front, I observed another instructor I hadn't met yet. He smiled with vigor as his students filed in and chose their places at the rows of desks. A woman shifted her legs in the seat at the front desk, and I recognized instructor Vu. 

"Come in, come in! We have lots to go over and learn today, childrens!" His arms were outstretched and his grin was ridiculous. 

I smirked at Alex who returned my facetious smile. The class refused to let the chatter die down, and instructor Vu stood from her seat. 

"You will all be seated. Immediately!" Her stern voice carried up the lecture hall. Students scrambled for their seats with haste and it was quiet in an instant. Satisfied, Instructor Vu returned to her seat. 

"What is she doing here?" Alex whispered.

"I have no clue."

The instructor returned his attention to the class and his voice carried through the room. "My name is Instructor Tobias Fridley. I am a Nullian and will be teaching and preparing each of you for your bond to either a Nullian or magic wielder."

"Bond?" I whispered more to myself than Alex. 

"When you are finished with your training, those of you who pass the SEM exam will be required to proceed with a blood bond. You weren't made aware of this information before acceptance to this academy in order to prevent exposure to enemy intel. This information and project are top secret and should be disclosed at all costs. Unauthorized disclosure will result in life in prison or execution."

"Execution?!" We said in unison. 

Instructor Fridley continued, unfazed by the beginning chatter. "Now, we Nullians follow a particular way of life here, and those of you who are magic users will be made aware of it. You have volunteered yourself to a life of subservience to your Nullian counterpart."

"What?!" I couldn't help the remark as it shot from my mouth. I wasn't the only one incredulous, however, as others were looking about the room in shock. 

"Please don't be alarmed. It isn't a bond taken lightly. Nullians cherish their magic using mates and there are many advantages which accompanies a pairing. For instance, Miranda? A demonstration?"

Instructor Vu nodded and stood next to Instructor Fridley. He withdrew a holstered weapon and I could feel the presence of heightened energy as Instructor Vu called upon the forces of white magic. His weapon began to glow, enhanced with power.




Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 01



"As you can see, Instructor Vu and I are a team. I carry out the physical portion of combat while she gives power to my weapon or, she can lend me physical strength through a spell you haven't learned yet. If I should further need her assistance, there is another advantage to this bond."

He walked to the podium, punched a few buttons on a keyboard, and the overhead screen lit up with commands. "Now, Miranda is unaware of what this document entails and neither can she see it. Watch closely," he instructed. 

Instructor Vu began to execute each of the commands in order, as silly as they were. Some were as simple as hopping on one foot or tugging on her left ear. The last one was to peck Instructor Fridley on the cheek. He grinned once her lips had left their caress. 

"Now, how do you suppose she was able to perform all of those acts without verbal communication?"

The room was quiet as students stared in shock.

"Telepathy," I more than breathed, dubious to what had just transpired. Due to the silence in the room, it was loud enough for Instructor Fridley to hone in on my answer. 

"Very good. Your name, dear?"

"Ms. Calloway," Instructor Vu offered, stepping forward with arms crossed against her chest. 

"Ah! Calloway! We're expecting great things from you!" He continued his stupid grin.

I nodded and shied away from yet another claim to fame. 

"Now, it is typical for a bond to be forged between two partners who are willing to become involved romantically. This makes the most sense because you will be sharing so much with this person. You need to learn to trust each other and have faith in one another. Your bond is more than military, it is companionship."

"So, basically, we are forced to marry one of your kind?" A girl from the back blurted.

"Not forced, dear, no, no, no." Instructor Fridley chuckled. "You have to choose one another. The only instance where you might be forced is when politics are involved. Then, an arrangement is usually made. But, these decisions happen at birth so there is ample time to prepare oneself. Isn't that right, Ms. Calloway?"

I furrowed my brows at his inquiry. How would I know?

Instructor Vu appeared at Instructor Fridley's side, her hand on his bicep. He became still, his face inclined toward her. Then his head snapped up and he looked at me. "My mistake, dear. Please disregard what I said."

I was confused, but relieved that I hadn't been arranged to marry yet. I may have signed up for the military, but I refused attachment to some blubbering oath who couldn't scrounge up the intelligence to tie his shoes in the morning. 

"How is the bond forged?" was another question from the back. 

Before Instructor Fridley could answer the bell rang signaling the end of the period.

"We will save that question for next time! Until we meet again, class!"

I shoved my notebook into my backpack. I hurried down the stairs without waiting for Alex, hoping to catch Instructor Fridley before he left. 

"Instructor!" I called. "Instructor!" 

The noise in the classroom had escalated and I doubted that he could hear me over the chatter. I watched as he turned to exit through one of the faculty doors, and I was left there to wonder. 



"So, that's messed up." Alex exclaimed.

"Yeah," I agreed. More messed up for me than her. Professor Vu knew something about my situation. I needed to know. 

"So, how do we get out of it?"

"Not sure." I sighed. 

I had an hour to kill before I had to attend detention in Captain Egotistical's office and didn't want to spend my first free hour of the day agonizing over how to avoid the bond. It was on my mind now that the professors had shared something private about me.

Instead of heading toward the dorms, I decided to enter the glens to blow off some steam. There were a few areas to contribute to the pull of elemental energy forces, and I stood in the middle to focus on spirit. My 'go to' was the easiest for me and therefore the most satisfactory. 

I closed my eyes and there was a flow of awareness when I envisioned the charged particles as they manifested in my mind. I reciprocated that energy, using my own energy and converted it to electricity. Spirit wasn't the hardest of the elements to conjure, but I still strained to block out the noise and voices around me to concentrate. Then, I could feel it gather and swirl in my abdomen, beginning to grow. Once I had hold of the energy and had manipulated it, the rest became easier. The force began to grow, reaching toward my fingers and toes as it stretched outward.

I needed a target to release the build-up. It was my favorite part. All of the hard work congested and pent up was not a good feeling. I opened my eyes, searching for anything placed as a practice mark. As I was searching, I witnessed a familiar face across the way. Captain Remington stood with his arms crossed, observing me. His face was complacent and I was sure that he was assessing my abilities. I allowed the energy to dissipate and my body systems to return to normal. I walked toward my stalker and drew up my full height. I had no intentions of confronting him, but I didn't want him to believe that I was intimidated by him, either. 

"Captain," I acknowledged as I walked past him, but his hand shot out and he stopped me with a firm grip on my bicep.

"Ms. Calloway," he said while removing his grasp. "You are late for your detention."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

I looked at my watch and noticed that I was ten minutes late. Had conjuring really taken all of that time? I would never make it to SEM if I couldn't speed up my methods. 

"Oh. Well..."

"A simple apology will suffice, and then we can proceed with your punishment."

Always to the point with this man. Was this going to be my school year? Endless berating and ridicule? Captain Remington couldn't hold that much pull in the faculty or facility. Maybe it was time to cash in on my father's political card. With renewed confidence I gave him my best glare. "My sincerest apologies, your Grace." I stooped in a facetious bow.

He gave a rare smile. "I will remember that. And while we could have done without the theatrics, apology accepted. Now, if you're finished acting out like an insolent army brat, we can commence with your detention," he said. 

I opened my mouth to protest, but he gave me a glare and turned to walk away. I slouched in a pout and followed after him, staring daggers into his back. We continued down the hallways, which were dying down due to the supper rush, until we turned down an area with offices. I cursed myself for forgetting to eat before his sentence, and pursued him. He turned and entered an office and fingered me in before he closed the door. 

"This way, Ms. Calloway." He walked to the back of the office.

I followed into the area and took a seat across his desk. The chair was hard and uncomfortable. I watched his majestic stride as he rounded the beautiful mahogany desk and lowered into the leather office chair. Something about him sitting in his big chair behind the massive piece of office furniture was appealing. Maybe it was the confidence that he held or the power that radiated off of him, but it was attractive despite my distaste in him. I watched while he turned to his computer and when he caught my eye, I pulled out my text books to study with. 

My stomach was beginning to clench, begging for sustenance. To make matters worse, Captain Remington had taken out a large sandwich to eat while he worked on his computer. I could smell the bacon and turkey between the multigrain slices of bread. I tried to focus on my textbooks and finish writing my notes. The history of the continents wasn't very interesting, but I had few options on what I could study outside of class or the field. My stomach let out a large gurgle. 

"Excuse me," I dismissed it, embarrassed. 

Captain Remington didn't acknowledge that he had heard anything. I continued with my studies. The loud rumbling of my stomach disturbed him from time to time, and finally he began to look at me with a frown of disapproval whenever I couldn't contain the meddlesome noise. After two more grueling hours, he turned from his computer and looked at me while folding his hands on top of the desk surface. 

"You may be dismissed after we have our discussion."

I stared back in wonder, skeptical that he was trying to trick me. 

He continued, "Ms. Calloway, you are in an academy which trains soldiers. We train soldiers here to survive and to fight for what is right. Now, if every soldier doesn't obey command, what can we expect?"

"Failure." I mumbled. This was tedious. He was punishing me by ridiculing my intelligence. 

"Very good." His smile was facetious. "So, your obedience and compliance is essential to the success of your unit as a whole. If you are inadequate in any area, then you are a weak link to our military. Do I make myself clear?"

"But that's not−"

"Do I make myself clear?" His stare was expectant. 

"Yes, sir," I replied.

"Furthermore," he continued. "You will be bound to a Nullian in the near future. Your skills and efficiency should match his or you could jeopardize his success as a soldier."

Finally, someone was giving me some insight to this twisted binding ordeal. "I understand that sir, but could you please elaborate with the bond? Do you know who my partner will be?"

"It's not my place to disclose that information," he retorted. "And, if you haven't been made aware of who your partner is, then that is another discussion left to the person who should deliver that information."

"You know, then? Who I am to be bound to?"

He shifted in his seat and stared down at me. "I do know, but I am not at liberty to tell you."

I straightened in my seat. "Captain, please." I begged. 

"No, Ms. Calloway. You will need to have that discussion with your father. He should have disclosed this information before you even enrolled in this academy. You are dismissed from detention."

"Captain, if you could just−" I started.

"Our conversation is over, Ms. Calloway." He leaned forward and didn't raise his voice when he said, "I said, you are dismissed." 

He looked so intimidating that I couldn't pry further. I nodded before I stood and turned to the door. When I looked back at him, he was working at his computer once more, oblivious to my departure. I quietly opened the door and stepped out into the empty hallway. I didn't look forward to returning to my dormitory, but the promise of sleep pressed me forward. After making the journey to my room, I found all of my things thrown across the bed with the word 'shoo-in' written with shaving cream across my pillow. It had been such a long and trying day, I simply brushed everything off of the spread, and flipped my pillow over before letting my head fall. I would worry about the mess another day. Turning over to face the wall, I closed my eyes and allowed my mind to drift into unconsciousness.



Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 02



Welcome back to Animum Unum: Becoming SEM! I am currently working on chapter three, but still no steamy sections in this chapter (don't judge! All good things!) I appreciate your patience and hope you will enjoy the development for things to come. Think of it as foreplay ;) Without further ado, Chapter two:

*****

The alarm awoke me the next morning. My roommates had already left for the day, and I was left in peace to throw my uniform on and hurry out the door to catch breakfast in the cafeteria before class started. I didn't have time to apply any make-up and had done a poor job of brushing my teeth before I grabbed my bag and headed out into the hallway. The halls were full of students involved in their own conversations and small group interactions. Everyone seemed to be in a cheerful mood as I passed them and made my way to the elevator.

When the door dinged and opened, I stepped inside and pushed the button for the first level. Once the lift had brought me to the first floor, I started toward the cafeteria. I was walking along until I noticed that people were snickering when they passed by me. I tried to pass it off as a figment of my imagination, but then I noticed how they would start to laugh when their eyes made contact with my face. Oblivious to where I was walking, I walked right into the person in front of me.

The solid barrier tensed before turning to me. "Calloway?"

I looked up into the eyes of the very man I was trying to avoid for the rest of my life. "Good morning, Captain," I muttered, trying to bring about some peace between us. 

He scowled at me. "You might want to take a look in a mirror," he suggested, indicating the nearest women's lavatory. 

Fearing the worst, I hurried for the bathroom and checked the mirror. My reflection stared back at me with one minor addition. There was a mustache and uni-brow drawn onto my face. The ink looked permanent so even with harsh scrubbing, the marks might not come off. I could have cried from the humiliation and embarrassment. I frantically turned the knobs of the sink and gathered water as I tried to erase the obscenities from my face. 

"Nice look, Calloway," snickered one of the girls who came to use the facilities. 

I tried to ignore her and continued my efforts until my face was red where I had applied the abrasive attention. It was no use. Despite my hard work, there were still vague lines etched into my skin. I resigned and dried my hands and face. 

To my surprise, the Captain was waiting for me outside the door. He had his hands clasped behind his back while he stood at the opposite end of the walkway. 

"Come," he ordered and turned toward the direction of his office. 

I tried to keep my head down as I followed him. The stares were less, but some students still noticed. I passed Alex, and she did a double take. 

"Mia?"

"Not now, Ms. Ebners," Captain Remington called over his shoulder. 

I lowered my head again and pursued my superior. When we arrived at his office, he offered me entrance before trailing in behind me and closing the door. I turned to face him and was shocked when he approached me and brought a hand up to grasp my chin between his thumb and forefinger. He turned my face from side to side, assessing the damage. 

"Who did this?" he asked.

I wasn't sure whether I should tell him. I didn't want to be known as a snitch, but I hated those girls more than anything in that moment. I shrugged and decided to leave it ambiguous.

He sighed. "Please, Ms. Calloway, I would hate to give you more detention. Especially since there are far more entertaining activities than babysitting you all afternoon."

I frowned at him. When he put it like that... "My roommates," I relinquished. 

He nodded. "Sit," he instructed before walking around his desk to fumble in one of the drawers. After finding what he was looking for, he pulled a bottle from the storage unit and retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket. He poured a small amount of the liquid onto the material and brought it up to my face. "Close your eyes," he ordered. 

I let my lids fall over my eyes and felt him trying to wash the ink away. He was a little rough at times, but not as much as I was in the bathroom. The smell of alcohol filled my nostrils and I made a mental note to cleanse my face and apply moisturizer once I returned to my room. 

"I will take care of the situation, but should it reoccur, you are to notify me immediately," he said.

He stopped with the cloth and I opened my eyes. "Yes, sir. Thank you," I said. 

He didn't reply, but began to clean up the supplies. "You are dismissed."

Confused, I turned and exited the room. 



Alex was waiting for me at the same table where we had lunch yesterday. When I sat down with a plate of food, she smirked at me. 

"So, care to explain?"

"I have the biggest bitches for roommates," I said. "And to make it worse, Captain Remington said he's going to take care of the situation."

"How does that make it worse?"

I gave her a blank stare. "Do I really have to spell it out for you? I'm a senator's daughter. Daddy has connections with the military to make sure his little girl doesn't get into trouble." I picked through my food. "That's the last thing I need. An unwanted body guard."

"Well, when is he going to take care of it? You could always try to settle things yourself," she suggested, forking a fluffy piece of egg from her breakfast.

"How?" I asked, intrigued. 

"Challenge them to a duel. If they win, you'll move out of the dorm. If you win, they have to leave you alone."

"Hm. I think I like that," I said between chews. "Where can I do this?"

"Well, you'll have to sneak out after curfew and head to the training center. That's the only place that I can think of. I'd suggest outside, but this place is so heavily guarded that it would be damn near impossible to slip out, let alone get back in."

"True," I agreed. I took a drink of water. "Okay. I'll do it."

Alex paused, mid chew. "Seriously?"

I pushed the food around on my plate. "Yeah, why not? If it would settle my problems, then I could focus on school more." I shrugged. "Right now, I'm constantly worrying about what they're plotting next, and along with Captain Remington and his punishments of doom. If I could eliminate one problem, my life would be halfway decent."

She gulped down water and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "That bad, huh?"

"You have no idea." I let my fork fall onto my plate. "Last night, I came to my room with, what I thought was, shaving cream all over my pillow. Now, it's stuck to my bed because I was too lazy to clean it up. I think it was glue."

Alex covered her mouth while juice sprayed from her lips. I scowled at her. 

"I'm sorry! It's just, I can only imagine your pillow glued to your bed."

The corners of my mouth turned up. "Yeah, whatever." I laughed and forced a serious stare. "Anyways, I need this. I need the reassurance that I can head back to my room and that my shit isn't messed up. Or wake up in the morning without an added mustache."

She finished wiping her mess from the table and turned to me. "Fine, I get it. We'll look for them during lunch."



After the first few lectures, I was able to find bitch one and bitch two perched on a bench eating salads during lunch break. If there was one thing that could be said for magic users, we need to eat. Salad just won't cut it if you hope to be successful in conjuring. Magic consumed energy and you get energy from food. I already knew that it would be an easy match. 

"Hey," I said to them. They ignored me and continued with their meals. "Hey," I called a little louder. 

The blonde looked up at me. She wore an annoyed look on her face and let her utensil fall onto her plate before she placed her hands on her hips. 

"What do you want Calloway?"

I straightened, trying to look more confident than I felt. I crossed my arms across my chest, just like I had seen Captain Remington do. "A dueling match," I stated. "I want to make a deal with you."

They sat up. "We're listening," she said.

I looked down at her. "We duel in the training center. Tonight. If I win, you two have to leave me and my stuff alone. If you win, I'll move out of the dorm."

She sat and looked like she was thinking it over. It took a few moments before she returned her attention to me and smirked. "No, I don't like those terms." She crossed one leg over the other and twirled her hair around a finger. "How about, if I win, you have to drop the program. If you win, then I'll drop."

Alex nudged me. I could tell that she didn't agree with it, but I was confident that I wouldn't lose. I came from prestigious magic using families. I had practiced conjuring since I was five. Those girls didn't stand a chance. 

I stuck out my hand. "Deal."

She took my palm and shook it, grinning like a mad idiot. "You should probably go pack your bags."

I let go and scoffed. "With your stuff? I wouldn't want to do you any favors," I replied and turned on my heel. "Twenty-two hundred hours!" I called. 

"You'll be the one packing you, you, shoo-in!" she yelled at me.

I kept walking and waved her comment away behind my shoulder. "Haven't heard that one before," I said, loud enough for her to hear. 



Half an hour later when I walked into Captain Remington's course, the class sparred as usual. Alex was coming at me with blows that were a bit unorthodox and easy to block. I wouldn't have cared, but I was fast growing frustrated with the lack of instruction. Other students were advancing, but he seemed to avoid me all period. And, he even went out of his way to avoid me. I tried not to let it get to me, but I wanted to improve on my combat skills. Last night he made it clear that I would have to be well rounded in all of my abilities. 

I brushed off Captain Remington's class once we were showering in the locker room. I would confront him over it tomorrow after my duel had taken place. Not to mention, I would be able to interrogate Instructor Fridley in our next class if I got there before anyone else. I finished rinsing off and hurried with pulling on my clothes, leaving Alex behind. Running down the hall, I prayed to the Gods that Instructor Fridley was in the lecture hall waiting for students to begin filing in. I rounded the corner, and slid in through the open doors to find him at the keyboard at the podium. 

"Instructor!" I called. 

He looked up at me. "Ah! Ms. Calloway! Do come in!" He wore the same grin that he had yesterday. 

I approached the front of the room, my heart beating through my chest. I wasn't sure that he would give me the answers I was looking for, but he might give me some clue as to who I would be bound to. When I was standing in front of him, he ceased his work and gave me his attention. 

"I need to know more," I said. 

He gave me a puzzled look, but remained calm. "Whatever do you mean?"

"I need to know more about the ceremony, the ritual, whatever it is that we have to go through. I need to know exactly what happens." I was breathing hard, and the words were pouring out of my mouth. The poor man had tried to say something a few times, but I kept rambling. "Captain Remington-" I started. 

"The Captain! Thank goodness somebody filled you in!" He gave me a smile of delightment. 

He didn't fill me in, but it was obvious that the Captain was more aware of my situation than I was comfortable with. I decided to play along. "Yeah, we talked yesterday."

"Oh, good! So, have you two set a date yet? I mean, you'll make it through the academy with no problems, so it's only a matter of time now! The sooner you two begin practicing, the better."

I stared at him, trying to hide my shock. The Captain and I? Did that mean that we were to be bound together? I nodded and attempted my best smile. 

"We haven't set a date. We have yet to discuss it. And, my father would want to be included, I'm sure."

"Of course," he said. 

Students began filing in and I hugged my books to my chest a little tighter. I had resumed the nasty habit of chewing my inner lip and looked to the instructor. 

"Oh, better take your seat, dear. Class is about to begin!"

I nodded and took my usual seat next to Alex. She turned to me, an annoyed look on her face. "Care to explain why you ditched me?"

"I'll tell you later," I offered, taking out my pencil to jot down notes. 

Lecture slides lit up the screen in the front of the class and instructor Fridley began, "Welcome again, childrens! Today we will learn about the pairing process before the bond. Like I said the yesterday, you will be bound to a Nullian if you're a magic user and vice versa. Although you have a choice in who you're bound to, there are also politics to consider. Take into account, for instance, that your partner may be inadequate when it comes to performing. You're going to have to depend on that person and be able to sync with them perfectly. Otherwise, you'll both meet trouble on the battlefield. So, much consideration must be taken when deciding on a partner.

"Now, we have a system in which you must choose a partner who meets your rank. You will be tested before graduation and, based on a point system, given a score. You have the free will to choose a partner within twenty points of your score. Anything more than twenty wouldn't be a good pairing and will not be allowed." He turned his attention to the upper row of seats. "Yes, you in the back," the instructor indicated a young man behind me. 

"What type of test will we be put through and how are we scored?"

"Good question. The test will be a battle simulation. You will be paired with a Captain and depending on your class, you will have to infuse their weapon and lend them power if you're a magic user. Or, you will have to be able to work alongside them and handle the amount of energy they lend you if you're a Nullian. You will be graded on the efficacy of the method used to defeat the monstrum, the amount of time it takes, how well you communicate with your partner, among various other attributes. Not to worry, we will take your interests into account when suggesting partners."

"Professor?" Another student had raised their hand.

"Yes?"

"What type of monstrum is usually released for the battle?"

"A level four. Not quite the most dangerous, but dangerous enough to weed out the weak. I suggest you study and get some practice before the final test. If you venture out to the forest to the right, there are usually level two to three monstrum. In the surrounding fields, there are level one. Don't forget that monstrum are hostile beings. They are different from the animals of nature."

"What gives rise to monstrum, instructor?" another student blurted out.

He turned and paced the front of the room. "We're still trying to figure that out. There are myths and legends as to how they come into existence, but we are still unclear of the exact origins." He grinned and shook a finger at us. "Now, we're getting off topic. Let's further discuss the procedure of giving power and accepting power. How many of you are Angelian magic users?"

Hands went up and I noticed that it was about one fourth of the class. 

Professor Fridley nodded. "And Staturians?"

No one raised a hand. 

The instructor pressed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "No Staturians. It is a hard magic type to conjure. Okay, Naturians?"

I raised my hand alongside Alex and noticed that a small amount, short of one fourth, of our class wielded this type. In my search, I noticed that bitch one and bitch two were among us. Good to know. 

"And the rest of you are Nullians I assume? Are there any Totians in the room?"

Just like the Staturian census, no one raised a hand. 

"Okay. Well, this is important because this process will be difficult if you don't understand how to fully utilize your abilities. Angelians will have the easiest time since they usually project their powers onto others. Naturians will have a little more difficulty, and Nullians will have the toughest time. Learning how to effectively accept power and manipulate it is going to take lots of patience and practice. On another note, it's nice to see that we have an equal amount of magic users to Nullians. That will make partnering easier.

"Now, tomorrow will be a field day. We will have class in the field behind the keep. If you want to get a head start, I suggest reading chapter two in your textbooks on the methods of conjuring and energy acceptance. After being paired into groups, you will be practicing with a Captain before you work with your student partner. We will rotate instructors every few weeks so that you can each fully appreciate various levels of skill."

Instructor Fridley looked at his watch and back at us. "I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today." The sounds of notebooks being shoveled into bags and chatter filled the room. "Don't forget, field day tomorrow!" he called over the noise. 



Now that Alex and I were finished with classes, we decided to get some dinner and go back to her dorm for some privacy to talk. We grabbed sandwiches and a piece of fruit from the mess hall before walking toward the dormitories. I could tell that she was anxious to know what I had found out, and I was more eager to tell her. When we came to her room and opened the door to the empty space, she guided me in before closing the us in the secluded space and rounding on me.

"So? What's up?"

I began to unwrap my sandwich and sat on her bed. It was cushier than mine. "I found out who I'm supposed to be bound to."

She dropped down onto the bed next to me and began to undress her own food. "Oh, yeah? Who's that?"

I worked the food to one side of my mouth so I could speak, "Don't tell anyone. Not even I'm supposed to know."

She shrugged. "Fine, just spill it already."

I swallowed, took a deep breath, and stared at my food. "Captain Remington."

Alex had stopped what she was doing and stared at me with a gaping mouth. "You're fucking kidding me."

I took a small bite and chewed. "No, I'm not."

"Well," she began to pick at the patterns of her bedspread. It was much more cultured than mine, but I had hoped that my lack of commodities would ensure that I wouldn't attract that much attention. She continued, "At least he's hot."

I scoffed. "Yeah. Hot headed." 

She shrugged and picked tomatoes from her sandwich. She held them out to me and I opened my bread for her to lay them in. "Hey, I'm sorry, Mia. It sucks that you don't get to decide, but at least you know that you'll be employed after all of this. I could be placed in the reserves for all I know."

I sighed. "Good point. But, I still think free will is worth that risk. I could never imagine being anything more with Captain Remington."

She grabbed my shoulder and a wide grin spread across her face. "What's your wedding night going to be like?"

I laughed. I couldn't help it. "Terrible. And then, he'll probably give me detention for performing so badly."

Alex snorted. "True. So, does he know that you know?"

I closed my sandwich back up. "No. I'm going to get more answers from him tomorrow. I just don't know how to approach it. Do you think, that maybe, it's all in my head? The way he acts around me?"

She snorted. "No, he clearly hates you. He's nice to all of his students except for you. Maybe he's upset with the decision as well. I mean, think about it. He could basically have any woman that he wants and he gets you."

I glared at her. "Thanks."

She laughed and swatted me on the shoulder. "I don't mean it like that! What I was trying to say was that he could have a great soldier. Another Captain, perhaps. And instead, he's stuck with working and training in a rookie. Your performance is going to have to improve exponentially in order for him to continue his work."




Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 02



What she said held some truth to it and I felt sorry for the Captain. "I guess I never looked at it that way." 

"Exactly. So, when is this all supposed to take place? It's a marriage, so do you guys have to wait until after you graduate or can it happen right away?" She took an obscenely large bite of her food.

I sighed. "I'm not sure. I'll know more tomorrow. I'm going to interrogate him after classes. He has office hours right after our Emergence course so I'll go see him then."

She nodded and continued chewing. "Good. Now, what about your roomies tonight? Are you really going to go through with it?"

I felt my appetite diminish. I had been so preoccupied with my news that I forgot that I would be facing a duel that night. Nonetheless, I took a bite, all of my actions mechanical. 

"Yeah, I'm going to go through with it. I noticed a few things today that ensures that the match would turn out in my favor."

"Oh, yeah? Like what?"

"Well, they don't eat. Did you see what they had for lunch? Salad. No meat. Just lettuce." I scoffed. "Like that can fuel a good spell. Also, they're Naturians. They raised their hand when Instructor Fridley took census. So, I can counter whatever type of magic they conjure."

She stared at me with a look of skepticism. "You're confident that you can effectively wield all types?"

"Yes," I said with a shrug. "I'm rusty, but I can do it. I just need to focus."

She shifted on the bed and took another big bite of her food. "Maybe a practice run tonight?"

I gave her a disgusted look while I watched pieces of food fall from her mouth. But, I couldn't help but also laugh a little. "Yes. Please," I agreed. 



After dinner, we headed out to the elemental gardens so that I could get some practice in. Alex was going to cast water energy at me while I would try to absorb it with my own water energy. This was the most difficult part of conjuring against another magic user since frequencies of the spell varied. In my post high school education, we learned about a theory that everything, as we know it, is made up of energy. Atoms can be further broken down into even smaller particles of constantly vibrating energy. As a magic user, all one had to do was take personal energy particles and manipulate them to maintain the same frequency as the choice element. Since some could wield magic and some couldn't, the skill was attributed to a force called chi flow.

Chi flow was the energy coursing through a person. If that energy could be channeled, then he or she had the ability to conjure. Aside from chi flow, a person's hormones influenced the type of energy wielded. A dark magic user had to maintain the mood associated with malevolence and the white magic users with good. Only an individual with a strong and special chi flow could become Totian since it took a lot of will power to be able to focus the mind on so many different magic types. My feet crunched on the grass when we arrived and to our luck, the gardens were empty. We each took an opposite end at a clearing. 

"Ready?" she called.

I prepared my stance and focused on breathing in and out. I was going to have to conjure water energy in order to draw in her offensive spell to manipulate it. I focused on the thought of water, remembering how the substance felt against my skin, the way it felt as I drank a cold glass. I could feel the energy building in me. Sensing my surroundings, I was able to hone in on Alex's energy and tried to match my frequency to hers. 

I felt her release before I had finished conjuring my own spell. I focused on the energy she had shot at me, and forced my own magic through to my fingertips to try and absorb hers. When the particles finally met my flesh, it was a close call. I was able to take in her strong spell and add the growing force to my own. The magic melded with the energy in my fingertips and I pulled it into me, concentrating it in my center. I accepted it with greed, the surge of power feeding a building hunger I was unused to. 

"Nice!" she called. 

"Thanks!" I laughed. It was the first time I had been able to absorb an offensive force.

I straightened, but felt an unexpected wave as she shot at me again. "Hey!" I yelled before conjuring the defensive. I wasn't as lucky this time and felt the tingling as her spell hit me, then knocked me back and onto to ground. Stars were dancing behind my closed eyelids and I fought to maintain consciousness. "What was that for?" I called while pushing myself up onto an elbow.

She ran over and knelt beside me. "You got cocky. Don't do it again," she scolded with a grin. She extended a hand, and I took it before she hauled me to my feet.

"No shit." I rubbed my eyes. There was a strange stale taste in my mouth. I gave my head a rough shake. "That was the first time that I've ever been hit before."

She began to rub my back. "And with water. That magic type is supposed to be the weakest. Are you going to make it?" she teased with a nudge.

"Just shut up and do it again." I dusted my clothes off and cupped my hands around my mouth to yell at her retreating back, "Fire, this time!"



I was feeling drained after our training session, but at least I was also feeling much more confident. I could still use practice, but I had been able to conjure defensive spells at least eighty percent of the time. When we finished, we rushed to the cafeteria, hoping to grab a carb heavy snack before heading back to Alex's dorm. Donuts in hand, we were walking down the hallway toward the elevator. 

I couldn't help but study the paintings on the walls. On the way to the dormitories were pictures depicting the last battle between the magic users and Nullians before the treaties were signed. The paintings were a little gory, and I cringed as I imagined being burned to death internally. Nullians could manipulate magic enough to deflect it, but not to the point where they could accept it and utilize it. If a Nullian got hit with fire magic, depending on the level of the conjurer, he or she would be hit with a force of energy with the same energy frequency as microwaves. The same amount of danger could be assumed for water which had been manipulated to freezing frequency. 

The paintings reflected a moment in history which we shouldn't forget. It made sense to hang them where people would see them every day. If we ever lost sight of the pain and suffering that took place a couple of decades ago, war would ensue between our races once more. Although the alliance was in its infancy, both races wished for peace and were working together to obtain it. And, with the common enemy of Daimons, we were united. We boarded the elevator, and had almost finished our food on our way up. 

"I could go for some steak," I disclosed. 

Alex closed her eyes. "Mmm. Yes. That would definitely hit the spot after a practice section."

"Well, how far is the nearest town? We could go one of these days."

She began licking the icing off her fingers. "I think Fortuitus is only half an hour away. Then again, we need a way to get there.

"Good point." I hung my head. There had to be some sort of transportation for students to the local town.

"Yeah. We'll figure it out though. I'm sure there's a way to get there. I mean, how are we supposed to get toiletries and feminine products if there isn't any lying around?"

That made sense. "True," I said.

The door opened and we stepped out into the hallway. The long space was empty and once we had entered her room, we both plopped down onto the bed. My eyes felt heavy and I struggled to keep them open. 

She turned her head toward me. "A little nap?"

"Yeah," I agreed before letting my lids fall. Drowsiness overtook me, and I relented to a deep slumber. 



"Mia! Mia!" I was being shaken and my eyes were a bit swollen. I opened them to find Alex above me, her hands firm around my shoulders. "Wake up! It's almost time to go."

"Okay, okay, I'm awake," I mumbled while trying to swat her away. After a yawn, I stretched out my sore limbs. Dizziness clouded my consciousness when I threw my knees over the side of the bed. I squinted my eyes against the bright lights in the room and attempted to rub fatigue from my field vision.

"Mia? As in, Mia Calloway? The Senator's daughter?" There were other people in the room.

"Yeah. Got a problem with that?" Alex shot at her roommates. 

"Nope."

"Not at all," replied a voice from the far bed. 

"Good," Alex replied before giving me a look. 

When I removed my hands from my face, an upturned palm was before me. "Lucretia. Lucretia Tucson. Nice to meet you," she offered with a smile. 

I took her hand and gave it a firm shake. "Nice to meet you, too."

"I'm Blake Fullerton," called the other girl. 

"Hi," I said before standing up. I tried to brush the wrinkles from my uniform. 

Alex rushed over and grabbed her keys off of her desk. "Okay, enough chit chat. We have to go."

Lucretia sat back down on her bed. "Where are you guys going?"

Alex waited by the door while I put my shoes on. "To the training center."

Lucretia straightened. "But that's forbidden for first term students. Aren't you worried that you'll get into trouble?"

I laughed and they gave each other a look. They must have thought I was nuts. But, with Captain Remington breathing down my neck, trouble seemed to be my middle name lately. "No," I replied, confident.

Blake gave us a worried look. "But, it's dangerous. Aren't there monstrum in there?"

"Hush up, you big baby," Alex groaned. "You just have to avoid certain parts of it. It was designed so the monstrum can only fit through specific pathways and openings. I'm not scared."

"You should be," offered Lucretia. 

Alex turned the knob when I walked over to her. "Whatever. Just don't rat us out." She flung open the door and pulled me out before I could bid her roommates farewell. The coolness of the hallway helped bring me out of my post-slumber fatigue and we set off toward the training center. 



Sneaking around the school at night had to be one of the most exhilarating things I had ever done. There were upper term students with sashes patrolling the hallways, and we had to go to extremes, like hiding behind garbage receptacles, in order to avoid them. Sneaking entailed a lot of waiting and, even though the hall by the elevator was empty, my heart almost beat out of my chest when the lift dinged. 

After we had made it to the first floor, we made our way to the training center. We pushed past a set of double doors with warning signs plastered all over them, and walked into an entry room. There was another set of doors separating us from the actual training area, and the small entrance we had found ourselves in held doorways to, what I assume, were locker rooms. 

"Ready?" Alex asked. 

I looked back at her, unsure of the monstrum we could encounter. Monstrum were exclusive to the Nullian continent, and we were still unable to understand why. We had never encountered any in our lifetime and my knowledge was limited to the book which held information on almost two hundred species. But, I did know that the Nullians were able to fight them off. If they could do it with simple weapons, then it couldn't be to hard.

And, It would be dumb to chicken out now especially if bitch one and bitch two had already entered. I took a deep breath and pressed the button for entrance. After a loud buzz, the door opened with an automatic voice instructing that they would close in three seconds. Alex looked at me and we hurried through, before the doors slammed shut behind us. 

The sound of the doors echoed in the area we found ourselves in. The space looked like a huge contained jungle. There were exotic plants and flowers, some debris from what might have been a construction site, and running water in an artificial stream nearby. The whole room was lit by lampposts emanating a yellow-white light. The noises in the distance sounded like something getting murdered among sporadic screeching, roars, and weird throaty animal sounds. It was spooky to say the least.

Alex grabbed my arm. "How big is this place?"

"I'm not sure," I replied while looking around. I didn't feel like sticking around. The sooner we found my roommates and dueled, the better. I turned to take the trail on the right. "Let's go."

We began wandering down a beaten path, and heard a squawking roar in the near distance. Alex huddled closer and we continued down the small road. 

"What was that?"

"I don't know." I shrugged it off. Whatever it was, it sounded far away. 

"Mia, I don't like this. Maybe we should go."

I looked around. I didn't see my roommates anywhere. Maybe they had the same thoughts once they had set foot in the training facility. Either way, I needed to find out. If they didn't even come, then I considered that a forfeit. Victory would be mine. "Nah, let's go. I need to know if those girls made it further through here."

She let go of my arm. "Fine. Let's get this over with. Does this path go in a circle?"

"I think so." I looked to the ceiling and it was all glass, lit with the moon from the night sky. There was rustling in the distant bushes to the left of us. "Keep on your guard."

"Right." 

As we meandered through the room, I speculated that it was at least ten acres. It looked like the trees extended the entirety of the training center, and I felt more like I was out in the wilderness than in a room attached to our facility. I was curious over what the true purpose of the room was, and more so over what level monstrum resided in the area. 

Alex was fidgety as she walked next to me. "Mia, where do you think they would be?"

"I don't know. Maybe a clearing or shelter? There has to be some sort of safe spot in here."

Just like I had spoken, a building came into view in the distance. Alex grabbed my arm again and pointed with her other hand. "Over there, I think that's one of the shelters."

I followed where she was indicating and discovered the small deteriorating building. It looked like an antique brick structure with secure windows and a steel door. The cement blocks making up the wall appeared a bit broken up, but stable enough to provide protection. We walked over to it and peered inside. There were benches, some tables, a water fountain, a first aid kit, and a wall phone pad. 

We entered and perused the aisles of seats. Further investigation revealed a whiteboard on one wall, and I suspected that the building was used for a class. I imagined how terrible it must be to have to walk through the training area just for a lecture. Searching the small shelter further, I noticed a wrinkled piece of paper on one of the plastic seats. There was some writing scribbled on it and I leaned in closer to read it.

'Shoo-in. Better luck next time.'

"You've got to be shitting me." I snatched up the parchment and showed it to Alex. 

"Those little cunts!" She grabbed it and stared at the offending statement. After she had flipped it over a few times, she began to tear it up. "They forfeit. That's all there is to it."

"Yeah," I agreed. Our trip to the training center had been pointless. I sighed and looked around. "Let's go back. I have to face them in the dorm room anyway."

"Do you know the way back?" She brushed the dust from the paper off her pants.

I peered out of the dirty window. "Sure. We just head in the direction we came."

"Okay."

We started on our way back, and I noticed the rustling of the bushes had increased to more than what I remembered on our way to the shelter. I was starting to get anxious. The moonlight lit parts of forest, which weren't lit by the lanterns, gave me a bad vibe and I couldn't help but keep glancing over to the malevolent patches. More than once, I could've sworn I had seen a pair of yellow eyes staring at us through the leaves. 

The double doors were within sight now, just another hundred yards. I was excited about the proximal exit, but noticed that the room had become quiet. The rustling had stopped, and all of the noisy chirping of birds and bugs had ceased. I stopped and listened, the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. Something wasn't right. We took a few more paces and nothing happened, despite the odd atmosphere. Before I could pass it off as my imagination, I noticed a dark shadow of a creature emerge from the thicket almost twenty yards ahead of us. It stopped in our path to sniff at the dirt, and I yanked Alex to a halt. 

"Mia, what the-"

"Shh!" I hushed her. 

Her gasp was audible as she witnessed the monstrosity before us. It looked like a giant six foot lizard standing upright and covered in gleaming scales. Its head was at least four times the size of ours, and its fangs dripped with drool as its mouth opened to hiss. The most menacing parts of its anatomy were the sharp claws and talons protruding from its extremities.

I started brainstorming, trying to formulate a plan of action. What did I know about lizards? Well, lizards needed warm climate. They couldn't survive cooler temperatures becauser they were cold blooded creatures. Although it was a monstrum and natural laws may not apply, I thought of water and began to summon an ice energy spell.

I collected the energy to my center, focusing on its strength and spoke behind my shoulder, "Alex, I need you to conjure ice. It will slow it down."

"I, I, I... can't. Mia, I'm just too... I can't." She was shaking. 

I focused on the energy, manipulating it and gathering it. I had a decent sized amount in my core, ready to be expelled from my body. I turned to Alex. 

"Okay. Here's the plan. I'm going to hit it with a spell, and then I want you to run for the door."

"What about you?" her voice trembled. 

"I'll run right after you," I assured her.

"Okay."

"Ready?"

She nodded and squeezed her eyes shut. I let the energy spread throughout my limbs, ready for the offensive. The creature must have sensed us because it turned squaring its gaze on me. It felt like its eyes stared right into my soul. I shook off my fear and encouraged my spell to where I could expel it. 

"Run, Alex!" I screamed and let loose the energy. The spell reached the target in an instant and the monstrum was knocked back a few steps. We took off while it tried to shake the sudden burst that had hit it, but regained composure. Alex had made it past, but I was lagging and it was now blocking my path. It looked me up and down and my palms became sweaty as I watched its pupils dilate. Cocking its head left to right, it jutted forward and let out a wretched screech. I was terrified and glued to the spot. 

"Run, Mia!" Alex screamed.

Focusing on her order, I took off in the direction of the shelter while trying to gather another ice spell. It was difficult to run and conjure at the same time, but I was able to concentrate a fair amount. I focused on its frequency, enhancing it until it was the strongest that I could muster. Loud footsteps thudded after me, and pushed myself harder as I picked up my pace. The shelter was just ahead. 

The monstrum was at my tail and I turned before I let the energy fly, hoping to stall it enough where I might make it to safety. I managed to stun it, but it recovered and it was angrier than before. I took off toward the small building again, now noticing that there was a person next to the entrance. 

"Help!" I screamed. 

He turned around, but it was too late as I felt the bite of my flesh being ripped open. I screamed and fell to the ground, oblivious to the severity of the attack. I tried to get back up at first, but the pain was great and I noticed a pool of red beginning to gather around me. Everything happened in slow motion after that. I hit the ground, and tried to crawl away. I felt another slash in my leg, and I screamed in agony as the pain permeated through my senses. It had its talon deep in my muscle, and I gave up, ready to accept the fate of death.




Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 02



This was it. The end. No SEM. No arranged marriage. No vengeance on bitch one and bitch two. 

I felt the warmth of my blood seeping out of my wounds, down my limbs, and onto the ground beneath me. The talon was pulled from my leg, and there was commotion above me. I noticed the flash of steel and sound of gunfire. Whoever had been in the training center was fighting it off. I prayed that he didn't get injured because of me. I was about to pass out until I heard a large thump on the ground.

Forcing my eyes open as far as I could get them, I didn't recognize the male figure hovering over me. Arms slid underneath my damaged body, and I felt myself hauled up against a uniformed chest. I felt so tired. I just wanted to sleep. 

"Idiot," he growled, along with obscenities, before darkness consumed me.



Spinning. I felt like I was spinning faster and faster with nothing to hold on to. I was laying on a bed and there was someone rushing through the room. The lights were bright, and I was in a surmountable amount of pain. 

"Captain?! What happened?" Someone exclaimed. I knew that voice. Female. Authoritative.

His voice was calm when he replied, "I found her in the training center, Vu. Please, just heal her."

"Of course," she said and there was a depression on the bed as the body weight of another accompanied me. 

I felt warmth begin to spread through me. I no longer felt the fatigue of slipping away, but now rejuvenated. The pain in my back began to dissipate, and my leg soon followed. I wanted more of that energy. It was like an addiction that I couldn't get enough of. When I felt my wounds close up, the energy ceased. 

The bed returned to level once she stood. "She's finished, Nate. Mind telling me what happened?"

There was a heavy sigh. "Hell, I don't even know yet, Vu. Just please, let me handle it."

"Very well. Do you want me to bring her back to her room?"

"No. She'll stay here tonight."

"But, Captain, that's improper and unprofessional."

"Soon, it won't be. Please, leave. I appreciate your help, but I need to have a chat with her." His tone wasn't the same harsh voice he used with me, but normal. 

She sighed. "As you wish. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

The sound of her footsteps were followed by the slamming of a solid door. Where was I? I couldn't have been at the Captain's office. Did he have private apartments in the academy? I was itching to open my eyes and take a look around, but I was still frightened. Again, there was weight on the bed and I felt the sheet being removed from my upper body. Someone had taken the liberty to undress me down to my panties. Bandages were removed, and I stiffened when a wet warm cloth was pressed up against my back.

"It's okay, Mia. I'm not here to do anything inappropriate. I'm only here to clean you up."

I nodded, and he continued to wipe with the cloth. At first, he worked in silence. All I could hear was the sound of the towel being dipped and wrung above a basin. The water splashed into the bowl, and then I would feel warmth as he wiped it over my naked torso. 

He spoke up, "Mind telling me what you were doing in the training center?"

I remained quiet, and just stared at the dresser before me. By the looks of it, I was in his bedroom. There was a fireplace and heirloom quality furniture spread throughout. There were also paintings on the wall, but it was otherwise bland. 

"Ms. Calloway, I expect an answer."

"It's none of your business," I replied. 

"Since you almost died and I'm your superior, it's very much a matter of my business. Tell me why."

"No."

He sighed. "Very well. Then you and your friend will be suspended for the rest of the week."

I sat up, clutching the sheet to my chest. "What?!"

He was shirtless. His nudity caught me off guard and I couldn't help but admire his chiseled chest. He didn't have the definition of a body builder, but he was cut in a way that spoke functional. His biceps were large, he had big pecs, and his abdomen held enough definition to make any girl drool. His physique was thick and built to promote good breeding stock. 

"Ms. Calloway," he said.

My eyes shot up to his face. I needed to say something to save face. "I was in there because of my roommates, okay?"

He nodded. "Do elaborate." He ushered me back down onto the bed and continued with the washcloth.

I sighed as I recalled how he had insisted I let him take care of it. He was going to be mad. I shook my head. 

"I promise you, that if I have to get it out of your roommates instead, your future will be filled with reprimand you can't even imagine."

I knew that he was talking about our marriage. A life of submission to this man and, he was making a threat even though he wasn't aware that I knew. But, I didn't want to bring it up now. Not at a time like this when I was half naked in his sheets. 

"I was supposed to duel my roommates tonight. The loser had to leave the academy and drop out."

He made a sound of aggravation. "I had told you to let me handle it."

"I know. But, I don't think you understand that I have to redeem myself. I can't have superiors protecting me all the time." I wrung my hands. "You wouldn't understand." I turned to look at him.

He was silent for a few moments before he spoke, "You're right. I wouldn't." His face looked annoyed. He began cleaning up the water basin.

I pulled the sheet further up my chest, trying to get more coverage out of it. "Well, I don't want them to think I'm a coward. I'm my own person and I made the decision to become SEM without my father's help or influence. The last thing I need is people thinking I'm some special case. I just want to be an ordinary student, you know?"

"Ms. Calloway, you are anything but ordinary."

I waited for him to elaborate on such an unusual comment. When he didn't continue, I asked, "What do you mean by that?"

His eyes narrowed in on me and he gave me a subtle smirk. "All in due time." He stood. "More importantly, I'm going to take care of this situation. I don't want you having any further part in it." He tossed the washcloth into the basin next to the bed. "Reputation be damned."

I turned away from him, angry. "Fine."

"Nice that we can see eye to eye on it. Now, you'll also be staying the night here. You can take my bed and I'll sleep in the guest chambers."

I rolled in the bed and made sure to annunciate my reply, "Thank you for the offer, but I really don't feel comfortable with it. I'd rather go back to my dorm."

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is not a request, Mia. You will obey." He let his hand fall and stared at me.

It was the first time he had addressed me by my name. I just watched him, confused with how his tone had reflected my name with familiarity. He was different than before, that much was certain. He collected the materials he had used to clean me up and turned to leave. 

"There are some clean t-shirts in the dresser. Feel free to take what you need. I will collect you in the morning before breakfast. Sleep well, Ms. Calloway."

He turned to the doorway and I yanked the sheet up to my chin. "Fine. Goodnight."



Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 03



Welcome back, everyone! Or, welcome back to me... haha. Seriously, though, I've been so busy with professional school and haven't had much time to write. Things are supposed to get better in another four months, but I'm not making any promises. I thank each and every one of you for your loyalty and patience. 

This story is moving slowly, I realize this. But there are a lot of elements (no pun intended... okay. A little intended.) to it and characters that I want to develop. Patience is a virtue, chickadees! So, without further ado: 

*****

CHAPTER THREE

I had slept for far too long. There was an ache in the back of my head and I felt overcome by grogginess. When I forced the lids back from my eyes, the delicate sensory organs began to throb with a dull pain. It wasn't going to be a very good day. I turned over to glance at the clock on the night stand to discover that I had woken early for once. I tried to sit up, but felt a rush of vertigo sweep over me, coaxing me back down onto the mattress. 

"Woah..." 

I breathed as I tried to overcome the sudden dizziness. In a renewed effort, I grunted and pushed myself up to my elbows utilizing more energy than I had wanted to spare. I was sure that the blood loss attributed to the headache and unsteadiness. I placed a palm on my forehead while I struggled with chasing away the nausea. As I attempted to collect myself, there was a knock at the door. 

"Ms. Calloway?" It was the Captain.

Great. I fell back onto the bed. 

"What do you want?"

"May I come in?"

I snorted at how he avoided my question. "Fine."

The door opened and he entered, dressed in nothing more than a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. The clothing hung off of his hips giving me a delicious view of his defined waist and abdomen. I had to admit that Alex was right. Remington was hot. Once he had entered, he hadn't even noticed me and headed straight for the set of doors at the far end of the room. Opening them up, his body blocked the doorway offering me a slight view of the suits and other apparel inside. 

"Get out of bed, Calloway." His voice was muffled as he spoke into the closet. 

I remained on the mattress, hidden in the covers. I wasn't wearing any clothes and I was still very fatigued. "Not until you leave. I'm not dressed." 

He turned his head to look at me and stared me down with annoyance. "Bloody hell. Just wrap the sheet around your body and get your ass out of that bed. The bathroom is over there and there's enough time for you to shower. A clean uniform and undergarments on a hanger are ready for you next to the vanity." He indicated the set of doors on the other side of the room and gave me a pointed look. I had never heard him take that tone before. "Move."

I glared back at him, but relented. "Fine."

He disappeared into the closet once more and I began pulling the sheet from underneath the blankets. Once it was free, I wound it around my body, the best that I could in my weakened state, and threw my legs over the bed. I was watching for him, but he remained where he was and I felt it safe to stand up. I was unsteady at first, but I made sure to take a minute to gain my balance before walking to the bathroom.

I placed one foot in front of the other, concentrating on my stability and weight distribution. The task was proving to be quite difficult and I was beginning to wonder just how much of my life fluid had been drained the previous night. When I took my fourth step across the floor, a wave of vertigo took over my equilibrium. The room spun before me and I registered the brief sensation of falling before my body met the hard wooden planks beneath me. 

"Dammit." I heard from the other side of the room. 

I kept my eyes closed as I tried to restore my orientation. I moved my arms out from under me and struggled to untangle my legs. Before I could finish, arms were forced underneath me and I felt myself being hauled to my feet. My legs were like jelly and I slumped against the Captain as he attempted to right me. 

"I'm okay." 

I felt him swoop my legs up with his other arm. 

"No, you're not. Why didn't you say something if you felt too dizzy to move?"

Oh. So it was my fault, now. 

Frustrated, I remained quiet while he brought me back over to the bed and deposited my body on the mattress. I could feel him hovering over me, and the sheet was so loose over my body that it was borderline indecent. 

"Do you mind?" I tried to pull the cover over myself. 

He frowned at me and watched my effort before bending and grabbing a handful of the blankets to throw over me. I finished bringing it up to my chin and watched him with irritation. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and studied me. With the look he gave me, I felt like I was under his scrutiny for more than my current lack of strength and ability to care for myself. His eyes said more than that. Something that I couldn't read. 

My eyes remained locked on him. "So, now what?"

After looking me over, he sighed. "I'll call a nurse to care for you today. You will remain here until you gain back your strength. Your homework will be sent up to you."

I tried to push myself up, but lacked the strength to do so. "I can't stay in bed all day! I'll miss out on important training!" 

"That's an order, Ms. Calloway." He turned and walked back into the closet. 

With an angry huff, I turned away from his direction and stared at the burgundy curtains hanging on the opposite wall. Missing a whole day, especially a field day, was going to set me back. The dread began creeping in as I imagined my roommates advancing while I lay in bed like some vegetable. And, it wasn't like it was something I could make up. I needed that designated practice time with an instructor. No, this would not do. I would have to find a way to escape and make it to class. 

It would have been nice to look out the window to decipher which part of the academy he resided in. Then again, I wouldn't have been able to figure it out with my limited knowledge of the vicinity. I listened to the captain as he shuffled around a bit more, then I heard a door open and close. The sound of running water ensued, and I assumed that he was taking a shower. 

I waited in silence while the sound of water hitting tile resonated off of the bathroom walls and through the doors. I blushed at the thought of his naked body covered in droplets of wetness, but pushed the thought from my mind as my irritation returned. Adamant about gaining my strength, I closed my eyes and let myself drift into a fretful sleep. 



When I awoke, there was a woman dressed in a white uniform bustling about the room. She didn't seem to have any particular task in mind, as she moved from the dresser to the closet, dusting the surfaces with a dust mop. When I stirred, she turned her attention toward me and approached the bed with a smile. 

"Nice to see that you're awake." Her voice was sweet and she had a nurturing sense about her. She picked up my wrist and pressed two of her fingers on the ridge just below my thumb. Her eyes met the watch on her arm, and I watched her mouth move as she counted in silence. When she was finished, she let go and smiled at me once more. "Your pulse is getting stronger, so that is a good sign. You should probably drink and eat something, and then I have some supplements for you to take."

She turned and retrieved a small container from the nightstand. After opening it, she scooped up some of the mush and held the eating utensil before my lips. 

"I'm sure that I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself." I reached for the spoon.

She pulled the tool out of my reach. "Nope. Captain's orders." She looked at me with a ridiculous smile. 

Of course he would encourage the nurse to feed me like a helpless child. I frowned and turned away from the food. 

"No?" she asked. 

"Not hungry." I crossed my arms.

"Very well." She sighed and placed the lid back on the container. "If you change your mind, let me know." 

"Sure." I said, my voice laced with disinterest. 

With a piteous look and a slight shrug, she stood and resumed her work of tidying the room. I glanced over at the clock and noticed that I had slept for close to three hours. I missed my first two classes, and it was now lunch hour. If I could just get rid of the nurse, then I could sneak downstairs. I would show up for Captain Remington's course, only to prove to him that I wasn't inadequate. He misjudged me, and I was going to relish in the satisfaction of his shocked face. 

I needed to send her on an errand. In order to do that, I would have to ask her to retrieve something that wasn't already in the room. I searched for anything that I might request, and noticed the container of food on the nightstand. 

Fuck. Me. 

"Uh, nurse?" I called, as polite and convincing as I could. 

She perked up and turned to me. "Yes, dear?" A grin spread across her face as she walked over. 

"I'm ready to eat now."

With excitement written all over her features, she sat down with vigor and reclaimed the plastic bowl. After pulling the lid free, she dipped the spoon in and brought it to my face. I tried to look genuine as I received her offering. Applesauce. 

"We'll have you feeling better in no time." She offered me healthy servings of mush faster than I had time to swallow. "The Captain was very firm about making sure you eat to restore your strength. He'll be very pleased."

So, her kindness was attributed to an ulterior motive. That made sense. I swallowed down the food and my stomach clenched in protest. Too much too fast. When she had administered the last bite I looked at her, my eyes wide and expectant. 

"Is it all gone already? I could really go for some more."

She looked at me and then to the container. When her eyes met mine once more, her face lit up. "I'll run to the cafeteria and get you something else. Don't you fret!"

I smiled at her, pleased that my deception had worked. After placing the empty dish on the nightstand, she stood, brushed off her pants, and pulled the blankets up to my chin. 

"Be back soon, my dear. You just try and get some more rest."

"Thank you." I snuggled deeper under the blankets with a smile.

With one last grin, she headed to the door and left me to myself. I watched the big wooden barrier close behind her and the click of the knob echoed off of the walls. 

Victory. 

I pushed the blankets from my body and pressed myself up. I was feeling a little better and noticed the supplements that the nurse had been ordered to administer. Judging that they couldn't harm me any worse than I was, I grabbed the small plastic cup of pills and reached for the glass of water. I tossed them back and gulped down the liquid, noticing how thirsty I was for the first time. I drained it and set the empty glass back on the nightstand, and moved my legs to the side of the bed. 

Testing out my lower appendages, I eased my weight onto my feet. I had more strength than that morning, and adrenaline helped me along the way. I continued walking, slow and cautious at first, over to the set of doors and pushed it open, stepping inside the bathroom. The shower was large with four spouts and a half wall separating it from the rest of the room. In another nook, there was a clawed bathtub big enough to fit two people and a door leading to, what I assumed, the toilet. Along the furthest wall was a double vanity and linen shelves. There were towels hanging on a rack and, like the Captain had promised earlier, my uniform was on a hanger next to the vanity along with white lacy undergarments. 

The Captain was right to have had new undergarments ready for me since I lacked them, but white and lacy was a bit too much. And, the fact that he knew we were intended gave me some insight into his expectations. So, he wanted his partner dressed in delicate underwear. I scoffed at his ridiculous ideal, but pulled the pieces on since I didn't have any other choice. Once I was dressed, I took a quick glance in the mirror to make sure that my hair was halfway decent, and took a few moments to wash the dirt off of my face. When I had finished, I hurried as quickly as my weak legs would take me through the bedroom and into the hall. 

The nurse wasn't back yet, so that was in my favor. If I could make it to the garbage can where Alex and I had hid before, I could avoid her and board the elevator before it descended to the first floor. It would be futile to take the stairs since I didn't have much strength to begin with. I made my way over to the trash receptacle, and crouched behind the can. I didn't have to wait long, and the lift ascended, opened with a ding, and released a very optimistic nurse. I grinned as I imagined her reaction to find me missing. 

After she passed, I had to hurry to the elevator to board before the doors closed. My legs were carrying me slower than I would have liked, and the doors began to converge as I slipped through the entrance. I had made it this far, at the very least. My index finger found the button for the first floor and I pressed it, watching it light up beneath my pad. My weight rose into my torso as the lift descended, and I grabbed the rail when I came to a halt. The doors slid open, and I assessed the empty hall before me, my heart threatening to pound out of my chest. 

I glanced at my watch noticing that I had thirty minutes until Remington's self-defense course. If I headed to the locker room now, I would have time to change and wrap my wrists before the class started. With caution, I rounded corners to enter near empty hallways and made my way to the locker room. Captain Remington would be taking his lunch and I assumed that he would reside in his office for his meal. Although, it was a speculation and I didn't like the prospect of getting caught just yet. Relief swept over me when I arrived at the women's locker room. 

I entered with less difficulty than earlier with the bathroom, and found my locker. Getting dressed was easier as well, and I could sense my strength returning in short bouts. I wasn't at the capacity I could have been if I had rested in bed for a few more hours, but I was strong enough to get through class. Maybe even spar. When I was finished dressing, I sat on the bench, conserving my strength until the rest of my class would file in. Getting ready had cost me almost twenty minutes, so they would be entering soon. 

I heard the sound of the door open and the very person I had longed to see all morning came into view. A look of shock registered on Alex's face before she rushed over and grabbed me up into a hug. 

I patted her back as she squeezed me to her chest. "Glad to see you too, Al."

"Mia! What happened to you?!"

She relinquished her embrace and leaned back taking a good look at me. She looked like she was sitting on a cushion of needles and couldn't contain herself when I struggled with where to start. 

"How much trouble did you get into?"

I ran my hands through my hair. "I don't know. The Captain didn't assign any disciplinary duties or anything." I forced a breath out. "I'm actually surprised."

She sighed and turned to her locker and began to execute the combination. "I'm just glad that you didn't die. I watched that thing chase you and then you were gone. I went through the doors and ran until I found Captain Vu."

"Yeah, she healed me."

"Wow. What was that like?"

"It was interesting, actually." 

I recalled the feeling of her life energy flowing into me. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I was about to tell Alex about the strange experience when more of our classmates began filing in. The locker room became noisy and I shot Alex a look. She nodded before pulling off her clothes to get dressed for class.

"I'll tell you more later." 



Out on the mat with Alex, I waited in the back row of people while Captain Remington presented himself before us. He was dressed in his usual sweats, and he paced back and forth.

"Today, you will practice offense and defense with your opponent." 

I watched as he glanced at a few faces in the rows, neglecting mine. 

He stared straight ahead and continued, "Focus on how quickly you react and what your reaction is. Do you block with the right arm or left? Does your block leave an opening for your opponent? Right now let's concentrate on your response times and reflexes. Get a feel for your body. Know your limits and your opponent's. We will elaborate and go over methods next class period. You may begin."

We broke apart and Alex waited for me while I walked over to a section of mat further from the rest of the students. When she began sparring, I had a hard time keeping up. She wasn't giving me her full potential, and I was thankful, but I was still struggling. I was dodging attacks, even at her lessened abilities, but I was becoming fatigued quicker than I anticipated. I dodged her left hook, but her right fist came out at my face and I didn't have enough time to avoid it. I registered the bite of her punch and stumbled back, tripping over my own feet. I hit the mat, but it was soft and I didn't injure myself further.

Alex rushed over. "You okay, Mia?" 

I registered the faint taste of copper in my mouth as I ran my tongue over the inside of my lip. I shook the dizziness from my head and noticed a shadow next to us. As I recovered, I realized there was a male figure hovering over my body. Alex stood at attention and refrained from glance down at me. 

"Your form is lacking, Ms. Calloway. Either pick up the pace or I'll assign Ms. Ebners a new partner."

I stole a peek at the Captain and witnessed his annoyed glare as he assessed my subdued form. My breathing was labored with the exertion of the activity coupled with the anxiety of being caught. I was nervous, but not surprised. I knew that it was bound to happen. 

I continued to lick at the blood seeping from the corner my mouth. "Good morning, Captain."

"On your feet, soldier." His command was curt and succinct. 

I rubbed the back of my hand across my face, and noticed the red smear on my flesh. Good one, Al. I smirked as I assessed the mark, then struggled to try to get on my feet. I planted my other hand on the ground and turned until I was on all fours. With my head hanging, I worked to bring one foot underneath me, and then another. I was crouching now, and took a deep breath before I stood without much grace. I looked up at the Captain and his stare was nothing short of condescending. 

"Everyone, attention!" 

The demeanor in the room changed as the class stood at attention. I tried to assume the stance, but couldn't hold myself up enough to look promising. The Captain scowled at me before he turned his focus on the rest of the room. 

"This soldier, here, is a prime example of disobedience. She went against orders and has suffered as a result from it." 

He began circling me, his hands clasped behind his back. 

"What is your main purpose here, Calloway?!"

I jumped when he barked his question. 

"To become SEM, sir!" It was difficult to yell and my voice came off scratchy.

"And, how are you to achieve this goal?"

I stared straight ahead. "Training, sir."

"Are you training, soldier?"

Of course I was. Even if I couldn't stand and spar to my full potential, I was still here trying my best. 

"Yes, sir."

His next move was so quick that I didn't have time to respond. I was swept out from under my feet in one clean motion. I could have been better prepared, but I was drained from last night. I didn't know how much blood I had lost from the wounds, and I estimated that it was a significant amount. It was enough to make me dizzy. I looked up at the Captain and my classmates, their images dancing around me. 




Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 03



"Mia!" Alex started to rush over. 

Captain Remington stopped her with a single look, and she resumed formation. I watched the look on Alex's face as she stared ahead, unsure what to do. The captain turned and looked down at me. 

"Get up, Calloway."

I was still very dizzy. I worked to push myself up, but fell back down. I tried to shake the stars from my eyes as the room danced around me. 

"Calloway, I said get up!"

"I'm trying, sir." 

He continued to circle me. "Surely you're stronger than you let on, being that you decided to neglect rest today. Get your ass off the ground. Now."

I gathered all the strength I could muster and tried to push myself up once again. My elbow buckled beneath me and I fell to the ground. 

"On your feet, soldier!"

"I fucking can't!" 

His eye twitched as I glared at him in front of my classmates. After a few moments, he turned back to the class. "Class dismissed." 

There were hushed whispers as people turned in the other direction. The other students began heading to the locker rooms and I tried to catch my breath from my exertions. Once I felt like my head had leveled, I tried to push myself up. When I was on my knees, I took a few deep breaths and rose to my feet. I started in the direction of the locker room, but Captain Remington stood in front of me.

"Not you." 

He waited until all of the students were out of the room before he rounded on me. 

"You are an embarrassment. If you were out on a mission and were to be injured by a monstrum or Daimon, you risk every−"

"But I'm not. Captain, I'm new to this and I'm sure that when the time comes to face the enemy, I will be better prepared."

The look on his face was furious. He leaned in closer to me and grabbed a handful of my shirt. He pulled me in and his nose was almost touching mine while he glared down at me. "There is no amount of time or practice that can prepare a disgrace such as yourself. We could spend countless hours in this room and I'm certain that there is nothing you would learn from it." He let go and I stumbled back. "You're weak."

I laughed. "Of course I am. I just lost half of my volume in blood last night."

He stepped in close and towered over me. "Is this a joke to you?"

"No, sir." I let out a small chuckle. 

I could have sworn that the vein was going to pop in his temple. His nostrils flared and he narrowed his eyes at me. And then, his eyes softened a bit as he looked at me with a thought dancing around in his mind. He studied my face as if he were imagining something much deeper than I could understand at the moment. 

His voice was no longer angry, but stern. "KP duty at eighteen hundred hours today. If you fail to show up or perform, I will assign you double the duty when you are rested. Dismissed." With one last look, he turned and began to head for the exit.

"For what reason?!"

"Failure to comply with a Captain's orders."

I opened my mouth to rebuttal, but he yanked open the door, and fled before I had a chance to speak. 



Alex helped me with getting dressed in my uniform, and I gulped down as much water as I could before we headed to our next class. I was unsure of what KP duty entailed, but it couldn't have been anything enjoyable. Not to mention, I had studying to do if I wanted to make the cut for SEM. I found relief in the thought that least I wouldn't have to face the captain again. After finishing up my appearance, we exited the locker room and rounded the corner toward the exit of the building. I was excited for field day. 

"So, what was that all about during combat training?"

I shook my head as I struggled to keep pace with her. "He's probably pissed that I didn't follow his stupid orders to stay in bed all day."

"Why didn't you? I would have loved a free day off."

I glanced over at her. "Because we need all of the training that we can get. I want to make it to SEM no matter what it takes. I could be dying and I would still try to find a way to make it to class."

She scoffed. "Of course you would."

A crowd of students had formed in front of the exit and we fell into line amongst them, waiting for release. 

"We've talked about this, Al. Getting in means everything. Otherwise, we're doing all of this for nothing."

"Yeah, I hear ya. Just don't lose yourself in it all. Remember to have a little fun once in a while."

"Not possible."

"Atten-shun!" There was a voice booming over us and I searched for the source. It had sounded like Captain Fridley, but he was nowhere to be seen. I continued to scan the entry and spotted him on an overhanging balcony above us. He glared down at us with arms crossed carrying a demeanor I was unfamiliar with. Captain Vu was at his side, appearing to await command. 

I assumed the stance with Alex, a few of our cohorts failing to recognize the command. We were a sloppy bunch, and I felt embarrassed to be associated with our class. Even in my lessened state, I was able to execute the position. When we were all at attention, Captain Fridley studied us. 

"This training exercise is not classroom. Today we will start you off with the basics, but it is ultimately up to you, as soldiers, to pull your own weight. You will be paired up with a Captain whom await you at different stations on the field. Soldiers numbers 294901 through 294903 will start at station one, the next three will check into station two, and so on and so forth. Any questions?"

"What number are you?" Alex talked out of the corner of her mouth.

"294910." 

"Darn. We're one number off and in different groups."

"You are dismissed."

I shrugged as the doors opened and we all began to head out onto the field. It looked much like any other open field I had ever seen before. There were forests on three sides of a large clearing covered in grass. There weren't any elemental aides for Naturians to pull from to enforce their will of magic type, but it was just as well. We wouldn't have those luxuries on the battlefield and should get used to it. I looked over to the first instructor who was waiting and walked right on by. I would be assigned to the fourth intstructor. Alex walked alongside me and slowed her pace while I took my time with my steps. When we got to the third instructor, she gave my arm a squeeze. 

"I'll see you later. Don't die."

I chuckled. "I'll do my best."

I left her with her instructor and headed in the direction of the fourth Captain who would instruct the group I had been assigned. As I approached, I noticed a Nullian I hadn't met before, and despite his authority, he smiled at the students who neared. He had the same build characteristic of a Captain of SEM, and his green eyes stood out against his jet black hair. He was handsome, but not enough to entice me. 

"Good morning." He nodded in my direction as I walked to stand in his group. 

"Morning, Captain." 

He executed a slight tilt of his head in acknowledgment, and I awaited orders. Two other students joined us, an Angelian and another Naturian, and he turned to the three of us. 

"Ladies," he began as he turned to face us. "My name is Captain Taylor. I have been assigned to help in your preparation of energy lending to your Nullian partner." He started pacing. "I will guide you to the best of my ability, but more than anything this skill will require trust. Your partner will be trusting you in that you will not release energy until it is at a level in which he or she can handle. This will also come with practice, since more experienced Nullians can handle much higher power levels." 

He walked further out into the field and pointed to a vertical log twenty yards out. To the north side of the log were stones stretching the length of the log, and a white border surrounded the earth material. "Your first exercise is to manipulate enough energy to push that log over in a controlled fall. If you hit it too hard, the log will scatter the stones further than the border. Your objective is to apply enough force sufficient enough to tip it over, but not force it too hard to the ground. It's harder than it sounds, or so I've been told, and there isn't much I can instruct in the process of doing so. You need to learn, independently, how to control your power."

We looked at each other and waited for the first of us to be called. 

Captain Taylor looked among us, then settled on the female to my right. "Jeane." 

The pretty strawberry blonde Naturian stepped forward and I watched as she exhaled a heavy breath. 

"Remember to keep a conscious thought on the level of power that's amounting at your core. You can control it, especially in the way that you expel it."

She nodded and turned to the target, focusing her attention on it. I felt the familiar pull as she drew energy into her, and I recognized the earth element frequency as she conjured. The energy was accumulating at her center and she was gathering, in my opinion, more than necessary. She was oblivious to the fact that she had built up too much power, and I sensed her pull as she drew more into her. If she had excellent release skills, then it may not be a problem. She peaked and assessed her target before allowing the energy to seep from her presence. We watched as the log was hit with enough force that it hit the ground and scattered the contents below it. Jeane cringed and looked back at our instructor. 

"Okay, Jeane."

She assumed position. "Sir."

"I'm sure that you're aware of where you went wrong. This is why we are practicing. You will try again after your fellow classmates have also had a chance. In the meantime, I want you to reflect on how you can limit your output or power accumulation."

"Yes, sir." 

"Good." He looked between me and the other girl. "Calloway. You're up."

"Sir." 

I walked over and replaced Jeane where she was standing while watching her move to replace the props in their proper positions. I had an idea of what Captain Taylor was talking about since Alex and I had practiced conjuring and energy transfer on the receiving end. It was possible for me to do the opposite, but I wasn't too sure whether I should focus on intake or output. I knew that it was less difficult for me to control intake so I decided to go in that direction. 

"Are you ready, soldier?"

"Sir." 

I focused on the target and began to draw earth energy into me. It was easier to focus on that type since we were surrounded by it. I noticed my own energy hadn't fully replenished, and I struggled to pool enough power in my core for a confident output. I focused, and noticed my eyes blur as I struggled to hold onto what I had gathered. My body was affected by lack of strength and I felt my knees buckle beneath me as I stumbled forward. 

"Calloway, are you alright?"

"Yes, sir." My voice was raspy still. I continued to focus, pushing myself to the limits. My muscles were fatiguing, but I soon felt like I was able to conjure the appropriate amount of energy. I trained my sight on the log and envisioned the energy needed to accomplish my task. Once I had made the estimate, I allowed the power to slip to my fingertips as I focused on the target. When I witnessed the rotting piece of wood begin to tip, I refrained from my release, and allowed it to fall. The timber met the stones in a soft and controlled manner, with a few of the stones sliding to the brink of the border. 

"Well done, Calloway!" Captain Taylor approached me and awarded me a slap on the back.

With the force of his gesture, my knees gave out and I fell to the grass in a kneeling position. I was heaving with the amount of exertion, and I placed a hand to my chest to better stabilize myself. 

"Calloway?" Captain Taylor was at my side and began to assess me. "Do you need to visit the infirmary?"

"No, sir."

"Hmm." He frowned and brushed the hair from my face. "You're very pale. Maybe you should sit out for the rest of the field exercises today. Here." He handed me a water bottle. 

I accepted the container and, after popping the top off, gulped down the liquid quenching a thirst I hadn't noticed before. "Captain, I believe that I can still perform."

"Rest, Calloway. Part of succeeding is knowing your body's limits and when to stop. You've exceeded my expectations, anyhow. If you really feel like you need to catch up, you can sign up for additional lessons after hours."

My eyes shot to his face. "I didn't know that was available to us."

"Of course. There's a schedule in the reference and media center."

"Thank you, I'll definitely look into it."

"Good. Now, you go sit over there while I set up for the next soldier."

"Yes, sir."

He stood and offered me a hand, while I gathered myself. With the help of his strength, I stood and walked over to sit by the other students. They alternated between the two of them for the rest of the period. I watched as they struggled to replicate what I was able to do, and I made a mental note to visit the reference center as soon as I had free time. 



I was unsure what time I had to attend KP duty, but I wasn't going to show up for it on an empty stomach. Alex and I waited in line while I informed her on the lessons available to us. 

"So, you're telling me that you're going to give up your free time to study even more?"

I grabbed a tray from the rack and looked on at the choices of meals. "Well, yeah. If it's free and available to us, we should take advantage of it. I'm here with a goal in mind. I'm going to become SEM. No matter what."

"I already know that, Mia. But, you also have to take into account that you already have an in. Your father's in politics or something, isn't he?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean that I have it made. And besides," I loaded fruit salad next to my fried chicken. "That doesn't stop me from wanting to become the best that I can. I don't want to just be SEM, I want to be the best soldier to my ability."

She followed suit with the salad. "Was this a decision you made before or after Captain asshole?"

I glared at her. "Before. Of course." I turned back toward the food. "Everything I do is for me, no one else."

"Uh huh."

I scoffed at her comment, and continued along the line, filling my tray with cottage cheese and peaches. After grabbing a chocolate milk and paying for my purchases, I followed her to sit in the cafeteria to eat. We chose a table next to a window which looked over gardens, and I stared off into the landscaped glen. Silence passed between us until I let out a sigh.

"What're you thinking?" Alex spooned her pudding and slipped the utensil past her lips. 

I ran a hand through my hair, stopping at the ends to hold a bunch of it in my fist as my head dipped. "I don't know. Maybe, I'm just thinking about what you said." I let go of my trusses. "Just how much influence does my dad actually have? I mean, we already know that I'm betrothed to some jerk-off Captain, and now I have to become an excellent soldier so that I don't disgrace him. Or my family."

Alex set her container of chocolate milk down. "Yeah. It's a lot of pressure. I feel for ya." She continued eating pudding. "But, you could always ask your dad to adopt me, and then I will marry him for you. He's hot, so I bet he fucks like a machine."

"Geezus!" I stared at her and she shrugged. 

"It's true. I mean, have you ever taken a peek when he's wearing those sweats? You can totally see his package."

"Alex!"

"I'm serious, Mia. At least there's one prospective outlook on being forced to marry that man."

I could feel the pink crawling up the back of my neck to settle in my cheeks. "You're an idiot."

She speared a piece of fruit. "Hey. Just stating what you're too chicken shit to admit."

I turned to my own lunch and could feel eyes on me. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end and gooseflesh lined my arms. Someone had their attention trained on me. I scanned the room and noticed Captain Taylor as he sat a few tables down. He smiled at me. I took a look around and didn't notice anyone else who had his attention and focused on him again. After a subtle wink I was almost unable to catch, he returned to his meal. 

I turned to Alex, but she was engaged in her meal and hadn't noticed what I had about Captain Taylor. 

"Did you see that?"

"No, what?" She swirled the last bit of her pudding in the tray spot. 

"Captain Taylor... I could have sworn that he just winked at me."

"Captain Taylor? Who's that?"

I pointed at the authoritative figure in question while he was engaged in conversation with another Captain. One that I easily recognized. Captain Remington.

Alex looked over at the two of them and I could almost witness the drool leaking from her gaping mouth. 

"It really doesn't get better than this."

I leaned in and whispered in her ear, "I bet they have a private gym for Captains. I also bet that they workout shirtless."

"It gets so much better than this."

I laughed. "So, I'll tell you about last night when I finish KP duty tonight, 'kay?" I stood and collected my tray. 

Alex gave me a look of skepticism. "Do you have KP duty?"

"Yeah. Compliments of Captain Remington."

She cringed. "I don't envy you. Have fun. See you tonight."

I stared her down. "See you then."

I made my way to the kitchen and deposited the dirty platter at the window. The dish lady received it, and I turned and bumped into Captain Remington. 

"Captain, sorry."

"No worries." He gave me a small sadistic smile and relented his own tray.

I waited for him to say something more and tell me that he was kidding, but he continued his task without looking at me and walked away. Something didn't feel right. He never would have brushed off an offense no matter how small and insignificant the occurrence. Shrugging it off, I walked in the opposite direction and rounded the corner, intent on entering the backdoor of the kitchen. However, as I neared the entrance, a voice called out my name. 

"Mia!" Heavy footsteps of feet clad in expensive leather resounded down the hall. 

I turned around and witnessed an older male figure walking toward me. I squinted my eyes and tried to focus on the person. 

"Dad?"

He smiled and I hurried toward him, refraining from throwing myself into his arms. "Dad!" I couldn't hide my excitement as he neared, and his arms wound around me pulling me into a tight embrace. 

"Oh, Mia mouse, I've missed you." His hand wound in my hair and he pressed a kiss to my cheek. 

I let myself resolve into him. "I've missed you too, Dad."

I had no idea why he was at the academy, but I wasn't about to complain. After a few more moments of relishing his contact, I pulled away from him. 

"I've got to get going. I have KP duty."

"It's been postponed." Came a voice from behind. 

I didn't even need to turn to know who the owner was. 

My dad held my hands and looked down at me, sympathy reflected in his eyes. He sighed and struggled with what he had to say, glancing from left to right trying to gather his thoughts. 

"Dad?" His behavior was making me uncomfortable, but I had an idea of what was about to happen. 

He sighed. "Mia, we need to have a talk." He looked to the man behind me. "The three of us."

I turned around and looked at the Captain. He stared down at me and grinned the same spurious smile that he had in the cafeteria. My breath caught in my throat, and I worked to swallow down my anxiety.



Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 04



Welcome back, peeps. I love each and every one of you for your loyalty through this process. Professional school is getting worse. Boards are in January (eep!) I apologize for the wait, but like I said earlier, I can't promise a quick turn out of chapters. I could honestly give you the content, but the story would suck. Trust me. Now, what you've been waiting for, Chapter Four. Cheers.

*****

CHAPTER FOUR

Captain Remington led me and my father to the elevator and pressed a button leading to, what I assumed, were his apartments. We were all silent, awkwardness stewing in the air around us, threatening to drown out my existence. I wanted nothing more than to finally address the circumstances between the captain and I, but the prospect of the conversation topic wasn't a comforting one. Knowing was often a small comfort, but the thought of the truth had the prospect of nothing more than a tornado of torment. 

When the lift signaled our arrival with a ding, the captain exited before us, taking the lead down a familiar hallway. We arrived at the very door I had escaped from that morning and he opened it, allowing us entrance into the room. I recognized the massive bed made up with the red duvet that had covered me earlier, and the fireplace at the other end of the space where he encouraged us to sit. My father took the armchair closest to the brick hearth, and I began to move toward the one opposite of him. 

A rough hand made a firm grasp at the inside of my elbow. "Ms. Calloway." He indicated the loveseat instead. 

I scowled at him before I resided on the cushions, my weight sinking into the material a small fraction. 

He gave me a small condescending smile of approval before approaching the bar to pour drinks. When he returned, he offered my father a tumbler of amber liquid, and myself a glass of water. 

"Thank you, Captain." My father took the crystal container. 

I snorted into my cup as I took a pull at the cold fluid, the viscosity of it settling into my uneasy stomach with discomfort. 

"Mia." My father gave me a pointed look. 

I lowered the cup and tilted my head toward Captain Remington. "Thanks."

He nodded, another smile of success plastered across his face. 

"Now, before we begin, have you two had time to become properly acquainted?" My father looked to the captain. 

"No, sir. Mia has been otherwise..." He cast me a look and then returned his attention to my father. "Preoccupied and we haven't had the time I would have liked." He settled onto the loveseat next to me, his weight causing me to fall into him slightly. 

I shifted, trying to prohibit any contact. 

"Hm. Well, it is to be assumed. She has always had a voracious drive when it comes to her goals. I can see the cause for your request." He smiled at me with fondness. 

I felt myself light up at my father's pride in me, but couldn't help but focus on the mention of a 'request' on the captain's part. 

"I can see that she's quite the motivated young lady." The captain glanced down at me for a brief moment, then turned his awareness back to my father. 

"Good. Then I'm glad that you can see the value in the partnership." He took a swallow of his drink, pulled the glass back, and assessed it. "Good stuff, Nathaniel. They must be paying you well."

"Yes, sir. I've recently been promoted and my pay grade is now an O-6."

My father chuckled. "Let's not get into that mumbo jumbo. You know I don't understand how the military works."

Captain Remington gave a small laugh and leaned back into the small sofa, his arm reaching up to rest on the back behind me. I felt the hair on my neck stand on end at his proximity. 

"So. Let's get down to business, shall we?"

"Yes, sir."

With a nod, my father set his cup down on the stand next to his seat and crossed his legs. He was always dressed in three piece suits with attire freshly pressed. He was a sharp dressed man, but then again his position in politics required his professional appearance. His hands found each other and settled on his lap, and he looked at me with a serious and stern look on his face. 

"Mia." He paused for a moment, his brows coming together. "Nathan asked me here tonight because he brought up a concern regarding the ambiguity surrounding your situation."

"Situation?" I feigned puzzlement. 

"Yes, dear." He looked to the captain, then back at me. "You two are to be joined in partnership. Marriage, and the bond, once you have finished your studies here at the academy."

I nodded. It was hard to feign surprise when I had already known all along. And, the captain knew that I knew. I glanced down onto my own hands clasped together in my lap.

"Why?"

He cleared his throat. "Well, there are many reasons why, but it boils down to security." He looked to my future husband. "Nathan is ascending in position and power. If you are partnered with him, I can be reassured that you're cared for properly." His eyes found mine again. "He will have the finances and caliber to meet your needs and expectations. Also, it is good for the union of our races to unite against the Daimons."

I looked over to the captain, and he didn't smile this time. His stare was borderline loathsome, but I couldn't be sure. 

"What if I don't want to?" My gaze landed on my father's face and I could feel tears welling up in a silent unspoken plea. 

"Sweetheart, it's for the best." My father shifted in his seat with awkwardness before letting out a long sigh. "Maybe, a moment of privacy, Nathan?"

"Of course." He looked to me and reached a hand up to my face. "Everything's going to be alright, you'll see." His thumb caught the tear that had escaped in a fake gesture of affection. I tore my face away from him, aware of the façade he was putting on for my father. 

"Don't touch me."

"Mia!"

"It's alright." He said to my father. "I expect it to take time to warm up to one another." He stared at me with mock sympathy. I could see right through him.

My father looked from my face to the captain's. He pursed his lips in contempt. "Yes, of course." 

"I'll leave you two to it." The captain gave me one last look, rose, and walked away, the sound of his steps matching the bounding rhythm of my aching heart. 

Once the door closed behind him, my father returned his gaze to me. "I don't quite understand why you are opposed to this marriage, Mia."

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. 

My father picked up his tumbler again and studied the liquid. "Captain Remington, he's smart, a good looking guy, successful, powerful, has money, and seems like he would genuinely care for you... he's everything that a young woman could need."

I gave a small laugh. "Oh, of course! And, he's condescending, strict, domineering, assertive... how could I be so aloof to his charms with all those other winning qualities!"

"Emelia Rose Calloway! This type of behavior is unbecoming of you, especially since you will be of political importance one day. Don't take that tone with me."

I sighed and looked away. "Yes, father."

His tone softened. "Besides, I'm sure that's the captain side of him. He has to be that way with his students, you're no exception. He will make you into the best soldier, I'm certain. And, Nullians are typically a domineering race, but they love and cherish their significant others. You'll get used to their lifestyle. Give him a chance, sweetheart."

I knew that there would be no compromise regardless of how much I pleaded. Once my father had made a decision, it usually stuck. I could have thrown a tantrum and threatened to never come home and he still would never relent. I would have to content with the idea of marriage to that man. 

"I'll try, father."

"That's my girl." He stood and walked over to plant a kiss on the top of my head. "I love you very much. I know that he will, too."

I nodded, tears beginning to form. I wanted to please him, but I would have to forfeit my happiness in the process. I sighed and let my eyes close, trying to blink the tears away. 

"Well, I'll see you in the morning." With a final squeeze around my frame, he straightened and turned to the door. 

"I'll walk you out. I have to return to my dorm, anyhow." I stood and caught up to him. 

He turned and faced me, placing his hands on my shoulders, consoling me with light massage. "Didn't Nathan tell you? I'll be staying in your dorm, tonight."

"What? What about my roommates?"

He tucked loose strands of hair behind my ears. "He told me that it was empty."

The captain must have taken further disciplinary action against the girls who instigated all of the drama between us. I had suspected that he would get to the bottom of it and take action, but I hadn't anticipated that it would be so sudden. 

I nodded, but then looked up at him in puzzlement. "Where am I staying, then?"

His brows came together and he looked down at me. "With the captain. Didn't he mention it?"

Stay with the captain. 

"No. He didn't tell me anything."

"Oh. Yes, he stated that it would be a good opportunity for you two to get to know each other better."

"I wasn't informed..."

"Well, maybe you should try talking to him for a change." He leaned in and pressed a last kiss to my forehead before turning toward the door. "Goodnight sweetheart, I'll see you in the morning."

I sighed and looked to the floor as I played with the cuticle of one finger. "Goodnight, father."

He left, and the silence of the room was heavier than it has ever been.



When Captain Remington entered, he looked over and witnessed me in the armchair that previously accommodated my father. A smirk followed his observation, but he didn't instruct me to move. After closing the door behind him, he moved over to the closet and began to remove his jacket. 

"What is this bullshit that I hear about me residing in your quarters?"

He didn't answer me and I watched him hang his coat, then continue to undress by undoing the cuffs of his dress shirt. His hands weren't hurried, but he executed his actions with quick precision. "It's true that you will begin to reside in shared quarters, but it's only until we are married and assigned another apartment. Besides, this arrangement will help us get to know each other better. We are, after all, going to be wed very soon. You will need to learn the Nullian ways and obey accordingly. We are to attend socialite events in the near future and I can't have you acting out." He finished removing his shirt and began to undo his pants. 

I turned away as he let his slacks fall, heat burning in my cheeks. 

"There is a nightgown for you in the bathroom. There are also extra toiletries for your convenience. Since we have an early morning tomorrow, we will be going to bed within the next thirty minutes. I suggest that you perform any hygienic practices that you normally would before sleep."

I turned to look at him again and watched as he headed in the direction of the bathroom clad in nothing more than boxer briefs. Each muscle was accentuated with the movement of his gait, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from his body as I watched him move. I realized that he expected me to perform my nightly routine in the same bathroom, so I waited until he exited before I stood to enter. There was the momentary sound of running water, then silence, then a toilet flushing followed by running water once again before he opened the door and exited. Without looking to me, he walked over to the bed and turned the covers down. 

"You have twenty minutes remaining, Ms. Calloway."

A little annoyed, I stood and made my way over to the lavatory, my head held high and nose pointed to the air. I pushed the doors open and closed them behind me. Looking to the vanity, I noticed another white and lacy garment made of a shiny material with the appearance of silk. I snorted before I walked over to it and assessed the sleekness of it. It was soft, softer than any other material I had ever had the pleasure of donning, and I slipped it off the hanger, holding it by its straps in the air. 

"You've got to be kidding me."

It was delicate and made for a woman of innocence and purity, the opposite representation of my persona. I would have rather slept in my uniform over something as revealing and dainty as what the captain provided. Along with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, there was a skin regimen. My annoyance was nearing its peak. 

I finished my routine, minus cleansing my face like an obedient and submissive female, and used the toilet before I walked back over to the vanity to assess the piece of clothing left for me. I was against wearing it, but came to the realization that I would have to pick my battles with the captain. I stripped my uniform and bra, placing the clothing in the hamper nearby. Without grace, I pulled the chemise over my head, and let it fall where it would. I didn't feel the need to adjust it to fit my body appropriately. Without a second glance in the mirror, I turned and made my way toward the exit, heart threatening to beat out of my chest. 

I pulled the door open, and witnessed the captain sitting propped in bed, a document held in his hands. He didn't look at me and I closed the door behind me, trying not to bring attention to my presence. I stood in the cold night air, my forearm resting against my midsection while I clasped at the opposite forearm. 

"Where am I to sleep?"

He didn't look up at me, but adjusted the document clasped in his hands. "Where you did last night, of course. You should get used to that spot in the bed until we relocate."

My eyes darted to the loveseat. I could move over there once he fell asleep. 

"Don't even think about it, Ms. Calloway."

"Think about what?"

"Don't play coy with me." He looked to me then, his eyes narrowed in an intimidating glare.

My nose wrinkled in disgust before I made my way over to the bed, and pulled the covers down on the side I had woken up on just that morning. 

"And, you're late. It's not within my power to administer proper punishment until we are legally united, but let this serve as a warning to you. If, your tardiness is recurring in the future, be aware that repercussions will follow."

I slipped beneath the covers without acknowledging him and turned away, facing the bathroom. I lay in complete stillness, fear for what he might instigate. After a few moments more, I felt a shift in the bed before the lights went off, and he sighed as he settled into the mattress next to me. I was unsure how I was supposed to relax enough to sleep, but nonetheless tried to allow my consciousness to drift away while my eyes grew heavy. I had just about lost awareness until I stiffened when the weight on the bed shifted once more, this time closer to me. My breathing increased as I anticipated his touch, but nothing came from it. I was too afraid to turn around for fear it might bring attention to myself, and focused on slowing my respirations. 

"I know what you are thinking and I can assure you, I have no desire to touch you unless absolutely necessary."

"Wh-what?"

"The very thought of you disgusts me and I have enough whores to keep me satisfied. You're the last person that I want to fuck."

His words stung. So, my future husband was a womanizer and an unfaithful man. I scoffed, hiding the jealousy that I surprised myself by feeling. "Thank God for that."

There was shifting on the bed and I could tell that he had turned on his side to face me.

"However, that doesn't mean that I won't be taking your virginity on our wedding night. Which, if all goes according to plan, we are scheduled to elope this very weekend. Sunday, in two day's time, in fact."

"But I haven't given conse-"

"I don't need your consent. Only your father's." More shifting as he turned onto his back. "One of the many perks of Nullia. You should probably read up on Nullian laws and regulations since you'll be residing in this country from now on." He scoffed. "Anyhow, the night is getting late and it's time for sleep. Sweet dreams... Darling."

I turned away from him and tried to stay quiet as my eyes began to burn. This was the man. The man I would be bound to, regardless of my desire. There would be no love. No romance. Tears slid down my cheeks and soaked the pillow I adjusted my head on. Captain Remington shifted again, and I lay there quiet, until the only sound that filled the room was his soft snoring. I tried to fight down my anxiety and stress letting myself relax into the mattress. I was beginning to fade, with little jerks waking me from my near sleep state, until my exhausted body finally succumbed to fall into a fretful sleep. 



The next morning, the sound of running water floated from the bathroom, waking me from my restless slumber, and I assumed that the captain was busy with his morning routine. I needed a shower, as well, and decided to wait in bed until he finished with the facilities. He hadn't touched me all night, as promised, and I recalled his insensitive words. There was no way that I couldn't take a stab like that personal, and I began to doubt myself. Was I not pretty enough for his tastes? And, who were these whores that he spoke of? Were they people at the academy that answered to his beck and call? I debated talking to my father, but decided that he would never believe me. And, even if he did, he wouldn't compromise this union, regardless of the captain's infidelity record. 

To my surprise, the door opened, and Captain Remington walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist, steam floating after him in whirls of mist. He looked to me, and stood waiting at the bathroom entrance.

"Out of bed."

My fingers clung to the blanket further and I glared at him from my spot. "I'll get out when I feel like it."

He pursed his lips together and walked over to me, pulling the sheet from my body. "You will shower with me this morning."

I scoffed. "You're joking."

"Ms. Calloway, does it look like I'm joking to you?" 

My eyes met his solemn stare and I crossed my arms in front of my chest. "I'm not budging."

"Very well." He threw down the sheet.

I watched as he angled his body, then scooped me up off the mattress. 

"Put me down!" I flung my arms at him, pelting him with weakened hits. I still hadn't fully recovered, and practice the day before had drained me of what little energy I did have. 

"Keep it up and I'll punish you regardless of marriage." He walked into the bathroom and set me down. It was hot and foggy from the running water. "Remove your clothing."

"Unlikely."

"Do you really want to play this game?" He didn't sound annoyed, but stern and commandeering. 

I shied away from his eyes. "Why are you making me do this? I've never been naked in front of a man before."

"Well, you're going to have to get used to it. I'm doing this because, despite my distaste for you, you are nonetheless a young woman in need of submissive training. It will be your duty to serve me as your dominant partner, and we should begin now."

"You're disgusting."

The look on his face remained complacent. "Remove your nightgown, Ms. Calloway."

I glared at him, and then looked down at the floor. It was futile. I would have to expose myself to him regardless of my reluctance and distaste. Nonetheless, the rebellious part of me wanted to resist a little longer. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and looked to the side. 

"Very well." With rough hands, he pulled my resisting arms down and away from my body before grabbing the hem of the chemise and trying to lift it over my head. My arms were naturally in the way. "Lift your arms."

"No."

He sighed. "It isn't beneath me to rip this from your body. One way or another, it's coming off, Ms. Calloway. I suggest you comply."

My eyes shot to his and I scowled at him before I raised my hands to the ceiling. The material was lifted from me, the air attacking my nipples and making them perk. The look on his face was solemn, but there was an obvious growing bulge beneath the towel. 




Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 04



"Take your underwear off."

I crossed my arms in front of my chest again, concealing my womanly swells. 

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ms. Calloway, if you insist on disobedience, I can promise you a plethora of punishments when we are wed. Last chance. Take off your underwear."

I looked at him again, fury burning in my eyes. We stared at each other, neither of us making a move. Then, without breaking eye contact, he stooped and began to yank my panties down and to the floor. He was harsh in his movements and I could tell that his resolve was starting to slip. The ever-so-collected captain was growing frustrated with me. When the material was at my feet, he stood and looked down at me. His gaze didn't move over my body, but he maintained eye contact. Nonetheless, I couldn't help the embarrassment that encompassed me. I wanted to cover myself, shield my body from his eyes, but I had no tools to do so. I was left at his disposal. I continued to glower at him, but couldn't help the tears pooling in my eyes out of frustration.

"Turn around and step into the water."

Thankful for an excuse to get away from him, I obeyed and entered the shower. The water was hot, but not too warm and my body responded, the tenacity running out of my muscles and relaxing them. It was a wonderful feeling, and I could have enjoyed the warmth of the spray had I been alone. I dipped my face into the stream and wiped away the excess, basking in the calming rhythm at which the droplets made contact with my skin. I was beginning to enjoy it until I heard footsteps in back of me, the wet flack of heavy male feet. He was right behind me, I could sense his presence and I tried to focus on the water cascading down my body. I jumped when an arm came around me and grabbed a bottle off of a shelf. 

I registered the sound of the bottle opening, some of the product being squeezed from it, and his arm came around to place it back in its place. My arms were clutched across my front, cautious of what his actions were. Then, there was a hand on the back of my neck, forcing my head into the stream of water. 

"Hey!" I tried to fight his grip, but he was too strong and held me steady as the water soaked my hair. 

When I was drenched, I was hauled back and lost my balance, collapsing into his chest. I tried to collect myself, the obvious odd anatomy of his body making me uncomfortable at the contact. Next, his hands were in my hair, rubbing the shampoo until he had worked up a good lather. 

"Don't you think I'm capable of that myself? I have been bathing for like, you know, the last eighteen years."

"That sort of privacy will be a privilege you will have to earn. Until then, everything about you is my responsibility and falls under my control. Such is the relationship between Nullian and magic user."

His hands worked through my hair and began to use the lather to wash other parts of my body. He started with my neck and made his way down to my shoulders, a little gentler than when he had forced me into the stream of water. It was almost sensual, if not unusual. The lather was soft and bubbly as he moved it over my body, and made his way further down my arms, then migrated to my ribcage before his arms came through to grab my bosom. 

"What are you doing?!" I stiffened and my back arched, forcing more of my chest into his hungry hands. 

"Be still." His voice was firm and steady, but there were underlying husky tones in his words. 

I didn't move as his fingers kneaded my womanly mounds, encouraging my nipples to perk into hard little points. He stepped in closer, and I could feel his erection poking me in the back. My eyes shut, praying he wouldn't take me in the shower. He continued his onslaught, and eventually let his left hand trace down my side until he found my unshaven pussy. 

"Please, don't." My voice was a bit of a whimper and my legs closed, prohibiting his hand from reaching its destination. He nudged my inner thighs.

"Open."

"Please, no."

He nudged again. "Open. Now." His tone was commandeering and I complied. My legs slackened, allowing him access to the most private part of my body. His fingers fell into place, finding my clit with ease. He went over the nub, and it felt so wonderful that I fell back into him. 

"Pop tall, soldier!" His booming voice startled me, causing me to straighten. 

Over and over, his finger grazed the most sensitive part of my body, eliciting a tingling sensation throughout my limbs and core. 

"Captain..." I almost begged, as I was fully aroused. 

"Quiet." 

One of his fingers dipped inside me, massaging a hidden spot within. 

"Oooohhh..." I relaxed as the pressure began to build. 

He pulled me into him, his erection tracing up my back as he held me with one hand firmly grasping my breast. I was panting, the climax building until I felt as though I would explode. Then, I was there, at the cusp of orgasm and my head fell back against his chest. He continued to circle it and just as I thought that I might burst, he stopped. 

He let go of me and stepped back, as if disgusted. 

I turned around and faced him, a look of disappointment and confusion overtaking my face. 

"Why?" I nearly cried. 

He rinsed his hands off in the stream of water. "Your first punishment."

I winced and pinched my legs together, trying to bring some relief to the sexual tension which had been put there. I closed my eyes and tried to catch my breath. He was so cruel. I was terrified of his touch and the things he might force me to do, but I never imagined that he would bring me such intense pleasure, only to cease just when it could have peaked. 

"Finish your shower, and don't you dare finish yourself."

I opened my eyes and got a good look at his erection for the first time. He was massive, at least seven or eight inches of manhood erect and pointing skyward. His member was thick and veiny, and accompanied by a heavy sac of testosterone filled balls. His package screamed 'Alpha Male' at me, and I looked away, embarrassed at taking in his arousal. 

"Go ahead, look again," he encouraged. 

I shook my head with my gaze averted to the floor. Silence passed between us, and I could tell that he was waiting until I peeked up at him again. I complied, slowly bringing my eyes to his, avoiding the obvious member between his legs.

He looked down and took hold of his cock. "This is going to be inside you, very soon." He began to stroke it fondly. 

My face grew hot and I tore my face away from him. "Not on your life."

He chuckled, a sound I wasn't used to, and began his routine in the shower. I turned from him, and rinsed the lather from my body. There was no need for soap and, since I wouldn't be wearing any formal dress clothes in the near future, I didn't see the need to shave my body hair. I was just about done and finished rinsing, when I sensed him behind me again. 

"Did you shave?"

"Shave what?" 

"Underarms, legs, and your pussy. Until I can schedule for that hair to be removed, you are to shave all of it every time you shower."

"Not happening." I was used to shaving my armpits and legs, but there was no way that I was going to use a razor in such an intimate area. 

"Then I'll shave for you."

"No, I'll do it!" I tried to recant, but he had already grabbed the shaving cream off the shelf. 

"Sit on the floor over there," he indicated an area out of the water stream. 

"I said I'll do it."

He gave me a look. "Let's get something straight here, Ms. Calloway. There are many other ways in which I can administer punishment before we are wed. Don't test it." My heart began to beat a little harder as my mind wandered. "Now, if you would like to be spared for the rest of this task, then I suggest you sit your ass down on that floor."

My nose wrinkled in disgust and I obeyed, walking over to the place he indicated. I lowered myself onto my legs, my lady parts concealed. He left the shower, rummaged in a cabinet, and returned with a razor in his hand. 

"Spread your legs."

"Captain, please. Give me another chance, I'll comply."

"The thing is, Ms. Calloway." He squirted some of the shaving lather into his palm and approached me. He kneeled before me and nudged my knees. "If I allow you another chance," he said while I reluctantly opened up for him. "Then you'll be reinforced in believing that I am a lenient man." He began to apply the cream, the area still sensitive from earlier. "And I assure you that I am not a lenient man."

He finished with the application and applied pressure to my chest until my back fell against the cold tiles. My breathing had increased as I watched him bring the razor to my intimate area. "Don't move. I don't want to nick you." 

I looked up at his face and witnessed a slight sardonic grin, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it came. My eyes shut tight as I waited for the blade to come in contact with my skin. I jumped when I first felt it. 

"Don't move."

I held my breath, trying to remain still as he worked. The blade was cold against my skin and the scraping sound added to my nervousness. I felt his fingers come to hold part of me down as he worked the razor, and I squeezed my eyes as tight as I could close them. He moved over every part with expertise, and I began to ease a little as he pulled the tool against my skin. When I didn't feel it come in contact again, I braved a look. 

"You may rinse off." He stood and left to discard the razor. 

I didn't waste any time and hurried over to the water, rinsing the remaining trail of used cream from down below. I finished before he returned, and walked over to the towel rack. I pulled the fluffy piece of material from its place and wrapped it around my body.

"Not so fast, Ms. Calloway." He walked over to me.

"Now what?" I couldn't help the whine in my voice. I wanted to get dress already and end the torture he was putting me through. Was this the punishment he was talking about? Belittlement and depravation? 

"I must assess my work to make sure it was done efficiently. Remove the towel."

"You can't be serious." I unwrapped it and let it fall to the floor. I was giving in. There was no fight left in me for the day. 

Another slight smile came and went on his lips. He kneeled before me and slid the stool from under the vanity to in front of me. "Place your foot on there."

I rolled my eyes and complied. 

"Obedient, yet still disrespectful. Let's change that, shall we?"

"What? You mean another punish-" But before I could finish, his tongue came up and raked through my slit. I gasped as I felt the velvety touch of his mouth on me. It was the most heavenly thing I had ever felt before, and I knew where he was going with it. "Captain, please," I begged, not wanting him to take me where he had before. 

"Silence," he murmured against my lips and continued with his onslaught. His tongue was soft and smooth, and the slipperiness of his saliva creating the perfect amount of friction to leave me trembling. I tossed my head back while he continued to feed at my pussy, and I felt the urge to run my fingers through his hair. It was exquisite, feeling his lips caress and make love to my sex. He tongued my clit, and then would kiss at it and suck lightly after wrapping his lips around it. Before I knew it, I was shaking, nearing the edge of that precipice. I tried my best to conceal the build-up, but I couldn't help grinding my pussy into his face, my lips mashing against his mouth. My breathing increased as the pleasure built and intensified. I was almost there, so close that he would only need to rake his tongue through me one more time to get me off. The level of arousal was more than last time, and I whimpered as I got close. 

"Please..." I begged, my eyes closed and my arousal dripping from my sex. 

He stopped. 

"No!" I screamed, whimpering as he pulled away and stood. My fingers traveled south, reaching for my clit. 

"Don't." He didn't even have to grab my wrist to keep me from achieving my goal. His command was enough to intimidate me, and I nearly screamed in frustration.

My whimpers were pained and I ground my teeth. "You're such a monster." Tears welled up in my eyes and I felt one leak over and trail my cheek as I glared at him. 

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and glared right back at me. "You have no idea."



It didn't take long for me to dress and leave the apartment once the Captain dismissed me. After giving me clear instructions to return to the apartment after classes, he relinquished me and I fled from his chambers. It was easier finding my way to the elevator, and I hurried to my classroom, even though I wasn't late. After navigating through the halls, I entered my homeroom feeling ashamed of myself. I couldn't look at Alex when I sat down next to her, and I was struggling to focus on what I needed to retrieve from my bag for Professor Vu's class. Her eyes were on me, and I shied away from her stare pretending I was too engrossed in my search for my notebook and a pencil to notice her.

She leaned in. "Mia, you okay?" Her voice was a whisper, as if she knew but couldn't say it out loud. 

I stopped rummaging and fought back tears. More than anything I was angry and embarrassed. I shook my head. I couldn't speak. I couldn't tell her what had transpired. I couldn't even fully register it myself. I had been violated, that much was for certain, but I couldn't understand why I had responded in the way that I had. Why, despite my loathing and disgust, I had responded to the Captain's touch with reactions that I was repulsed with. He had administered punishment in a way I hadn't even imagined possible. And, because I was human and found him attractive, I couldn't refuse his ministrations once he began. My body wanted him. Huge dick and all. 

Professor Vu began her lecture, and Alex sat back down in her seat with her eyes on me. I could feel her gaze as she tried to assess my body language, but it was all I could do to stare blankly at the floor as I fought down my arousal. Thinking about the shower was only adding to the great amount of sexual tension running through my system. I needed release. I wanted to wash the feeling away. His fingers on me. The smell of the soap. I smelled like him, now, since he didn't have any other hygenic products. His soap, his shampoo, the shaving cream. I felt a blush crawling into my cheeks as I recalled the intimate act I had shared with the Captain earlier. How he had shaved me bare, and then proceeded to test the smoothness with his tongue. I clenched my legs.

"Ms. Calloway? Would you care to answer?"

I looked up at Professor Vu and noticed the entire class had their attention on me. I looked to Alex, but she couldn't help me with any sort of answer without suspicion.

I met Professor Vu's eyes. "I'm sorry, professor. I wasn't paying attention," I admitted. 

Just like in high school, the other students sneered at me as they turned back to their notes. I looked over at Alex, and she shrugged apologetically.

Professor Vu nodded and stared me down, as if she could read my mind. "See me after class, please."

More sneers and giggling, and the class quieted down as Vu resumed her lecture. I tried to focus on the material, in case she called on me again, but my mind struggled to focus. I could only relive my moment of shame and degradation that had occurred only an hour before. 



The students filed out when lecture finished, and I approached Professor Vu as she clarified a concept with another student. I waited for her to wrap up, and the last student exited the room. Once we were alone, she turned to me and her face fell. The look she gave me was one of sympathy and pity, and I resented it. 

"Take a seat." She motioned to the front row while she walked over to the desk and perched at the edge of it. 

"What about my next class?"

She crossed her arms in front of her chest and pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "It can wait," she explained. "I'll call the professor after we finish our talk." She looked away, sighed, and then moved her arms to support her weight back on her hands and crossed her feet at her ankles. She was looking down at her toes, a frown pulling her brows together as she tried to organize her thoughts. Finally, she forced out a breath and looked up at me. "How are things going with the Captain?"

Moments of earlier flashed through my mind. "I'd rather not discuss that." I looked away as my face grew hot. Tears began to well up in my eyes.

"I see." She nodded. She didn't say it, but I knew that she could tell what had taken place. "Listen, Mia, this transition is going to be difficult for you. I know. My father is also of political power, and I was arranged to marry Captain Fridley."

I looked up at her, trying to force the redness from my cheeks. I focused on my breathing and relaxed my body. 

She looked away and smiled as if recalling a fond memory. She looked to me again. "If you ever need anyone to talk to, I am here. You can always talk to me about any of it, and I won't judge you or how you feel during this process. I can also promise that it will be kept confidential. Everything spoken between the two of us will remain that way."

"Thank you, but, like I said, I'd rather not." I stood up and slung my bag over my shoulder. I started toward the door. 

"He isn't all that bad." I stopped, but didn't turn around. "You'll get used to him, you'll see. Nathan is a good man, and I know that he'll treat you well."

"I seriously doubt it," I breathed over my shoulder and walked out into the hallway. 



After Vu's class, I had magical theories. I was late arriving to lecture, but entered the classroom and took a seat in the back while the professor continued. I knew the majority of the material, and didn't pay attention throughout the entire class. Lunch was right around the corner, and I waited for Alex to catch up to me before I headed to the cafeteria. 

"So, are you going to tell me what happened?!" She walked next to me, bag slung over her shoulder. 

"After we grab food. Let's find a place where we won't be overhead and I'll tell you everything."

"'kay." She nodded and we proceeded to the lunch line. The lunch rush was there as usual, and I scanned the room for a face I was fast becoming used to wanting to avoid. Sure enough, Captain Remington was seated at a table with a few other instructors, and this time I noticed that Captain Taylor was seated at his left, the two engaged in conversation. Nathan didn't look too impressed with his lunch companion, and I nearly laughed at Captain Taylor's upbeat contrast to the brooding Remington. 

"What's so funny?" Alex handed me a tray. 

I nodded to the two captains. Her gaze followed and her arms collapsed at her sides. "Oh my Gods. The both of them are so incredibly delicious."

"Ha. You can have Captain Remington any day. I'll give him up with no fight." I grabbed a jello cup and placed it on my tray.

"Done." She giggled. 

If she only knew. We finished gathering food and after paying, we set off to find a secluded spot for our talk. Since bitch one and bitch two were no longer in the picture, I decided to guide Alex over to where their eating spot used to be. We found it empty, and settled on the bench. 

"So, spill it." She opened her chocolate milk.

I sighed. I had no idea where to start. I decided to just give her a narration of the previous night and the events leading up to class that morning. She listened intently, her eyes glued to me while she ate. I couldn't even touch my food, and played around with everything while I spoke. When I finished, her mouth hung open in awe. 

"Was he any good?" She was serious. 

"Are you kidding me? That was the last thing on my mind."




Animum Unum: Becoming SEM Ch. 04



"Well, he must have been if he was able to bring you close to orgasm. Damn. I envy you."

"Please, don't. That man is a monster. I can't believe in two days I'll be marrying him."

She straightened. "Am I invited?"

I gave her a look. "Could you at least feel a little sorry for me?"

She shrugged. "Sorry. I guess I'm just envious of you. Mia, you're going to have a job already after all of this. And, you're going to have a hot husband who, he sounds like, is going to give you hot sex."

"Yeah, and treat me like an insolent child who requires punishment all of the time. I'll have no freedom, no rights... Alex, everything that I have ever worked for is being taken away from me. It's being stolen. My whole life I've searched for independence, an opportunity to be the strong woman I know that I am capable of. I've been through things, Alex. Although I had a privileged life, that doesn't mean that it didn't come without consequence. I don't know what it's like to be by myself. To have freedom to make my own decisions. I thought that becoming SEM would free up that part of me. Test me. Challenge me. Show me a world where I can exist with meaning. A world where I can make it on my own through my self worth. Not some handout. And aside from all of that, I have my future stolen from me. I mean, I don't even get to choose who to love. I won't get to go on dates. Get to know a guy. Fall in love with him. Make love to him for the first time. I wanted that to be passionate. Have meaning when it happened. It's all gone, now. A dream." Tears were streaming down my face and I blotted at them with my sleeve. 

Her expression changed. "You're right. I didn't think of it that way. I'm so sorry, Mia." She pulled me into her. "I'm here for you. I'll help you through this the best that I can, okay? You're not alone through this. I'll stop with the jokes, okay?" 

I nodded and clung to her. For the first time since I had left home, I felt like someone finally understood me.